Sensation and Perception Overview

Sensation and Perception

• Sensation and perception are distinct but related processes.
• Sensation involves the physical input from sensory receptors, while perception is the brain's interpretation of that input.
• Our senses are the physiological basis for perception.
• Individual interpretations differ based on learning, memory, emotions, and expectations.

Sensation

• Sensation occurs when sensory receptors detect stimuli.
• Sensory receptors are specialized neurons that respond to specific stimuli.
• Transduction converts sensory stimulus energy into action potentials.
• The "five senses" (vision, hearing, smell, taste, touch) are oversimplified.
• Other sensory systems include vestibular (balance), proprioception/kinesthesia (body position/movement), nociception (pain), and thermoception (temperature).
• Absolute threshold: The minimum stimulus energy needed for detection 50% of the time.
• Subliminal messages: Stimuli below the absolute threshold of awareness.
• Subliminal messages are sensed, but not consciously perceived.
• Research suggests subliminal messages have little effect on behavior outside lab settings.
• Mere exposure effect: Repeated exposure to a stimulus can increase its positivity, even without conscious awareness.
• Priming: Unconsciously activating concepts or associations that influence behavior.
• Often measured under optimal conditions.
• Priming can influence intellectual performance and behavior.

Just Noticeable Difference (JND)

• JND: The minimum difference between two stimuli that can be detected 50% of the time.
• Difference threshold varies based on stimulus intensity.
• Weber's Law: The difference threshold is a constant proportion of the original stimulus. Larger stimuli need larger differences to be noticed.

Perception

• Perception is the organization, interpretation, and conscious experience of sensory information.
• Perception involves both bottom-up (sensory input) and top-down (knowledge, experience, thoughts) processing.
• Perception is a psychological process, distinct from the physical sensation.
• Sensory adaptation: Perception of stimuli diminishes when the stimulus remains constant over time.
• Attention is crucial in determining what is sensed versus perceived.
• Inattentional blindness: Failure to notice something unexpected in a scene due to attentional focus.

Motivation, Expectations, and Perception

• Motivation can influence perception—strong motivation can make us more sensitive to a particular stimulus.
• Signal Detection Theory: Our ability to identify a stimulus amidst distracting information.
• Cultural factors can influence perception, impacting things like visual illusions and taste preferences.

Sensation and Perception in Relation to Product Experience

• Different individuals may have differing sensitivity to various stimuli (vestibular, skin integrity, proprioception).
• This can affect product enjoyment or usability.
• Variations in sensation or perception could impact a user's experience, either positively or negatively, with diverse factors like pain, touch, or product functionality.

Emotions and Perception

• Emotions significantly influence perceptions and choices.
• Self-awareness of emotions enables better stress management, emotional regulation, and resilience.