Sensation - GCSE Psychology Definition

Reviewed by: Lucy Vinson

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Sensation is the process where our sense organs, like our eyes, ears, and skin, detect and respond to information from the environment. It's the first step in how we understand the world around us. For example, when light hits your eyes, it creates signals that are sent to your brain, allowing you to see. In psychology, studying sensations helps us learn how these signals are picked up and how they start the process of perception, which is how we interpret and make sense of them. Sensation is important for understanding how we experience everything from colours and sounds to textures and tastes.

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Lucy Vinson

Reviewer: Lucy Vinson

Expertise: Psychology Content Creator

Lucy has been a part of Save My Exams since 2024 and is responsible for all things Psychology & Social Science in her role as Subject Lead. Prior to this, Lucy taught for 5 years, including Computing (KS3), Geography (KS3 & GCSE) and Psychology A Level as a Subject Lead for 4 years. She loves teaching research methods and psychopathology. Outside of the classroom, she has provided pastoral support for hundreds of boarding students over a four year period as a boarding house tutor.

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