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PSY FPX 7421 Assessment 1 Presentation on Perception, Consciousness and Attention

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Capella University

PSY FPX 7421 Cognitive/Affective Psychology

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Introduction to Perception

According to Sternberg (2016), perception refers to how individuals interpret stimuli and sensations. It is a process through which people convert sensory impressions into a coherent understanding of their surroundings. When a person’s sensory receptors receive information, proximal stimulation occurs, enabling the individual to perceive an object (Sternberg, 2016).

The manner in which individuals interpret information shapes their reality and influences their behaviors, beliefs, and actions. Perceptual illusions indicate that our senses do not always align with our perceptions. We utilize available sensory information and transform it to create mental representations based on our own perspectives (Sternberg, 2016).

Theoretical Background to Perception

There are two primary types of theories that aid in understanding perception (Sternberg, 2016). Top-Down theories are characterized by cognitive processes that involve a person’s pre-existing knowledge and prior expectations, including beliefs and understanding. Individuals may be aware of these influences in some situations, while in others, they may not be consciously aware (Sternberg, 2016). Bottom-Up theories describe perception as beginning with the stimuli derived from the visual characteristics of an object. This is a data-driven approach. For instance, when observing a vehicle, the light information is transmitted to the brain, which processes the information (Sternberg, 2016).

Application of Perception: Top-Down Processing

For example, consider driving down an unfamiliar street and encountering a sign with several missing letters. You can still read it because you employ top-down processing, relying on your existing knowledge to make an educated guess about the sign’s content (Cherry, 2020). Your perceptions are shaped by expectations, existing beliefs, and understanding. In some instances, you may be aware of these influences, while in others, this process occurs without conscious awareness (Cherry, 2020).

Application of Perception: Bottom-Up Processing

Bottom-up processing explains perception as beginning with incoming stimuli and working upwards until a mental representation of the object is formed. This process suggests that our perceptual experiences are entirely based on sensory stimuli that we assemble using only the data available from our senses (Cherry, 2020).

Introduction to Consciousness

Consciousness is defined as the quality or state of being aware of an external object or something within oneself, such as thoughts, feelings, memories, or sensations. It has also been described in various ways, including sentience, awareness, subjectivity, the ability to experience or feel, wakefulness, a sense of selfhood, and the executive control system of the mind (Calabrò, Cacciola, Bramanti & Milardi, 2015).

Theoretical Background to Consciousness

Consciousness relies on the brainstem and thalamus for arousal (Calabrò et al., 2015). Research on consciousness has concentrated on understanding the neuroscience behind our conscious experiences. Scientists have utilized brain-scanning technology to identify specific neurons that may be associated with different conscious events (Cherry, 2020).

From a neuroscience perspective, consciousness can be explored through the interactions between the cortex and the thalamus, which enable individuals to become aware of both external and internal stimuli (Calabrò et al., 2015). There exists an interaction between arousal states and conscious awareness, allowing them to influence each other at various times and under different circumstances. Arousal determines the presence of conscious awareness, and during periods of high arousal, awareness becomes dominant (Calabrò et al., 2015).

Application of Consciousness

Conscious awareness enables us to monitor our interactions with the environment, connect our past and present experiences, and plan for future actions (Cherry, 2020). Our conscious experiences are in a constant state of flux. For instance, you may initially focus on reading this article, then shift your consciousness to recall a conversation with a co-worker, and subsequently notice the discomfort of your chair or mentally plan dinner (Cherry, 2020).

Application of Consciousness

States of consciousness significantly impact our daily experiences. When you are conscious of an experience, you understand what it is like to have that experience. It can also mean being attuned to the present moment (Cherry, 2019). Additionally, thoughts and feelings that the conscious mind seeks to keep hidden may be repressed into the unconscious mind. Although we may be unaware of these emotions, thoughts, and urges, the unconscious mind can still influence our behavior.

Introduction to Attention

Attention is the mechanism through which we actively process a limited amount of information from the vast array of data available through our senses, stored memories, and other cognitive processes. It encompasses both conscious and unconscious processes (Sternberg, 2016).

Theoretical Background to Attention

Haladjian and Montemayor (2015) discuss the connection between consciousness and attention through theoretical considerations related to evolution. They assert that attention is viewed as the selective filtering of perceptual information. Furthermore, attention necessitates selection, short-term memory, content, and the type of cognitive processing that can be functionally defined.

The Four Types of Attention

Attention can be categorized into four distinct types:

  • Focalized Attention: This type occurs when we consciously block out certain aspects of our environment to concentrate on a specific feature.
  • Divided Attention: This happens when we attempt to focus on two tasks simultaneously, effectively splitting our attention between them.
  • Sustained Attention: This refers to our ability to maintain concentration on a task, event, or environmental feature for an extended duration.
  • Alternating Attention: This involves the capacity to shift focus and switch between different tasks as needed (“The Four Types of Attention,” 2019).

Conclusion

Perception, attention, and consciousness are intricate concepts that play vital roles in cognition and our interactions with the environment. Among these, attention and consciousness are often regarded as the most challenging to define operationally within the field of psychology (Boris, 2015). Despite their complexity, these concepts enhance our awareness of how we adapt to various situations. Furthermore, perception, attention, and consciousness facilitate the connection between our past memories and present sensations, providing a sense of continuity in our experiences. Through these interactions and our responses to the environment, we are able to forge our unique identities.

References

Bitbol, M. (2015). Waking, dreaming, being: Self and consciousness in neuroscience, meditation, and philosophy. The Journal of Mind and Behavior, 36(1), 101-111. Retrieved from http://library.capella.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fsearch.proquest.com%2Fdocview%2F1728283817%3Faccountid%3D27965

Calabrò, R. S., Cacciola, A., Bramanti, P., & Milardi, D. (2015). Neural correlates of consciousness: What we know and what we have to learn! Neurological Sciences: Official Journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology, 36(4), 505–513. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-015-2072-x

Cherry, K. (2020). Consciousness is the psychology of awareness. VeryWellMind. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-consciousness-2795922

Cherry, K. (2020). How bottom-up processing works. VeryWellMind. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/bottom-up-processing-and-perception-4584296

Haladjian, H. H., & Montemayor, C. (2015). On the evolution of conscious attention. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 22(3), 595-613. Retrieved from http://library.capella.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fsearch.proquest.com%2Fdocview%2F1680765844%3Faccountid%3D27965

PSY FPX 7421 Assessment 1 Presentation on Perception, Consciousness and Attention

Sternberg, R. J. (2016). Cognitive Psychology (7th ed.). [VitalSource]. Retrieved from https://www.vitalsource.com/products/cognitive-psychology-sternberg-r-j-v9781285733130


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