Week One Worksheet
Respond to the following questions in 75 to 150 words each.
1. Differentiate between sensation and perception. Explain the importance of separating these concepts.
- Perception is the way we interpret sensations and it makes sense of everything thats around us. Perception is basically the interpretation and translation of what we take in through our senses. Sensation is the process in which a sensory receptor is stimulated, producing nerve impulses that travel to the brain. This in turn turns on the impulses of the 5 senses.
Sensation and perception are completely different when it comes to how these elements process information. They are inter- related so it is easy to think that they are one in the same but it is important to separate these concepts to undo the risk of getting them and their functions confused. It is important to remember that perception follows sensations sort of like a cause and effect. Sensation occurs first and perception usually follows.
2. Identify the biological factors that influence sensation and perception.
- The biological factors that influence sensation and perception are:
various sights, sounds, smells, and tastes.
Sight- Red, orange, yellow, green, blue. These words would usually mean nothing if not for our properly functioning visual sensation.
Sound - how we hear, including the structure of the outer, middle, and inner ear, as well as the basics of auditory processing and cochlear implants.
Taste- senses of olfaction (smell) and gustation (taste) are intertwined.
Perceptual set (perceptual expectancy) the tendacy to perceive things a certain way because of previous expectations or experiences. This also includes other biological influences such as somatosensation, sleep & consciousness, drug dependence, memory, cognition, emotion and language.
3. As we age or incur visual impairment, we may need brighter light when reading. Explain why this is the...