Sensation is the physical stimulation of sense receptors by the environment , such as light striking the retina or sound waves reaching the ear .

Which sense receptor detects olfactory information? a) The eyes b) The nose c) The skin

b. The nose detects olfactory information — the chemicals in the air that make up the smell of a burger.

The skin detects information, such as pressure and temperature.

The skin detects tactile information, such as pressure and temperature.

What type of information does the tongue detect?

The tongue detects gustatory information — the chemicals in food , such as the flavour of a burger.

Perception is the process by which the brain interprets and organises sensory information, giving meaning to what the senses detect.

Using light and a sunset , explain the difference between sensation and perception.

Light hitting the retina is sensation ; recognising that pattern of light as a sunset is perception . Sensation provides the raw data ; perception is what the brain does with it .

What does perception draw on to make sense of new input?

It draws on past experience and stored knowledge (schemas) — for example, ‘this is a bed, I lie on it’.

What does perception allow us to do?

It allows us to identify objects and events and to respond to them appropriately .

True or False? Perception is a passive recording of reality.

False. Perception is an active cognitive process , not a passive recording of reality.

Why do you not have to consciously ‘work out’ that milk has gone off?

Because perception is usually fast and automatic — the brain interprets the smell instantly .

Jack falls down a hill and feels pain in his cut head. Is this sensation or perception?

This is sensation , because Jack is physically feeling something through his sense receptors.

Jill sees Jack’s blood and realises he needs a doctor. Is this sensation or perception, and why?

This is perception , because Jill has interpreted the sensation as meaning that Jack needs medical help .

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Sensation & Perception (AQA GCSE Psychology): Flashcards

Exam code: 8182

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FrontThe Difference Between Sensation & Perception
Define sensation.

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Cards in this collection (12)

Define sensation.
Sensation is the physical stimulation of sense receptors by the environment, such as light striking the retina or sound waves reaching the ear.
Which sense receptor detects olfactory information?
a) The eyes
b) The nose
c) The skin
b.
The nose detects olfactory information — the chemicals in the air that make up the smell of a burger.
The skin detects information, such as pressure and temperature.
The skin detects tactile information, such as pressure and temperature.
What type of information does the tongue detect?
The tongue detects gustatory information — the chemicals in food, such as the flavour of a burger.
Define perception.
Perception is the process by which the brain interprets and organises sensory information, giving meaning to what the senses detect.
Using light and a sunset, explain the difference between sensation and perception.
Light hitting the retina is sensation; recognising that pattern of light as a sunset is perception. Sensation provides the raw data; perception is what the brain does with it.
What does perception draw on to make sense of new input?
It draws on past experience and stored knowledge (schemas) — for example, ‘this is a bed, I lie on it’.
What does perception allow us to do?
It allows us to identify objects and events and to respond to them appropriately.
True or False?
Perception is a passive recording of reality.
False.
Perception is an active cognitive process, not a passive recording of reality.
Why do you not have to consciously ‘work out’ that milk has gone off?
Because perception is usually fast and automatic — the brain interprets the smell instantly.
Jack falls down a hill and feels pain in his cut head. Is this sensation or perception?
This is sensation, because Jack is physically feeling something through his sense receptors.
Jill sees Jack’s blood and realises he needs a doctor. Is this sensation or perception, and why?
This is perception, because Jill has interpreted the sensation as meaning that Jack needs medical help.

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