uibe2016第一周年夏季学期心理学科学与应用kevinmcco.pdf

UIBE 2016 Summer Term Psychology: Science and Application Kevin McConkey Perception, Cognition, Consciousness Wed, July 6, 33 Sensation and Perception: Key Points • Sensation (process whereby sense organs gather information about the environment) vs Perception (process whereby the brain selects, organises and interprets sensation) • Thresholds (absolute and just noticeable) refer to the minimum intensity (or change thereof) of a stimulus needed for detection to occur • Perceptual organisation integrates sensations into meaningful information. It is influenced by experience. Sensation and Perception • Sensation is the process by which the body gathers information about the environment and transmits the information to the brain for initial processing • Perception is an active process by which the brain selects, organises and interprets sensory information Basic Pr iples • Three pr iples emerge with regard to sensation and perception: – There is no o-one correspondenc ween physical and psychological reality, measuring this is the realm of psychophysics. – Sensation and perception are active processes. – Sensation and perception are adaptive (facilitation of survival and reproduction). Sensing the Environment • Sensory receptors – Detect physical energy (e.g., light waves) – Translate physical stimulation into neural signals (transduction) • Each system requires a minimum amount of energy to activate the system (threshold). • Sensation involves decision making. • Sensory systems are sensitive to changes in stimulation level. Thresholds • Sensory systems require