Sensation - GCSE Psychology Definition
Reviewed by: Lucy Vinson
Last updated
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.
Examiner-written GCSE Psychology revision resources that improve your grades 2x
- Written by expert teachers and examiners
- Aligned to exam specifications
- Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t

Share this article