Unit 3: Sensation and Perception
As human beings, we perceive our world through our senses. This means that we are constantly performing a complex set of processes by which we take in sensory information, convert it into a form usable by the brain, and have the brain send signals to a relevant part of the body in order to tell it how to respond - all in a matter of milliseconds. In this unit, we will highlight the vision and hearing sensory systems and gain a deeper understanding of how we perceive the world around us.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 3 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- differentiate between the concepts of sensation and perception;
- explain the structure and function of the following sensory systems: visual, auditory, olfactory, somatic, and gustatory;
- describe how external stimuli are processed in the brain; and
- understand the principles of perception from Gestalt psychology.
3.1: Sensation versus Perception
As you read this section, take note of the concept that sensation is what comes into our body through our sensory organs and perception is what our brain does with that information. Think about examples of how we might be tricked in the process!
3.2: Waves and Wavelengths
Read this section to develop a better understanding of how the physical properties of light and sound waves affect perception.
3.3: Vision
Watch this video for perspective on how our eyes perceive stimuli, including the different levels of perceptual organization: depth, form, motion, and constancy.
Watch this video, which describes how we process our visual field and how information from the right and left visual field is broken down and sent to the brain.
3.4: Hearing
Read this section, which discusses the basic structure of our auditory system and how sound is encoded in our brain.
Watch this video about the structure of the ear and auditory system. Pay attention to how sound waves are created and perceived and the different functions of the inner and outer ear.
Watch this video about how sound is processed in the ear and brain, the importance of the cochlea, and its role in sound perception.
3.5: The Other Senses
Read this section about the other senses, such as taste and smell. As you read, consider how our biological systems permit the brain to store rough sketches of how pleasure and displeasure are produced by smells and tastes.
Watch this video to learn more about the structures and functions involved in the sense of taste.
Watch this video to learn more about the structures and functions involved in the sense of smell.
3.6: Interpreting Sensory Information
Read this section about perception. You should be able to explain why Gestalt psychologists often say "the sum is greater than its parts" when talking about perception.
Watch this video about the Gestalt principles of perception. You should be able to describe and differentiate the law of similiarity, the law of Pragnanz, the law of proximity, the law of continuity, and the law of closure.
Unit 3 Assessment
- Receive a grade Receive a pass grade
Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.
- This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
- You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
- You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.
