Sensation and
Perception
What do you see?

Perception assigning meaning to incoming sensory
information
Sensation detecting and responding to
sensory information that stimulates sensory
receptors

Receptive field is the area of space in which a sensory
receptor can respond to a stimulus or the specific area of
sensitivity of a receptor cell where a stimulus will affect its
activity
Reception is the process of detecting and responding to
incoming sensory information

Transduction converting incoming sensory information into a
form which can travel along neural pathways to the brain
Analogy: Give an example of when you have had to convert
some form of data/file so it could be understood.

Transmission is when sensory information is carried along
neural pathways

Interpretation is the process in which incoming
sensory information is given meaning so that it can be
understood.
The processing of
information from
different brain
areas is so rapid
that we are rarely
conscious of it
occurring at all.
It is usually only when a stimulus is vague, confusing or
ambiguous that we become aware of the interpretative
process.

Exit Question
What is the difference between sensation and
perception? (2 marks)

Exit Question Answers
What is the difference between sensation and
perception? (2 marks)
• There is actually no clear boundary that identifies where
sensation ends and where perception begins.
• However, if you are to compartmentalise the processes:
sensation is the process by which our sense organs and
receptors detect and respond to sensory information that
stimulates them, whereas perception refers to the process by
which we give meaning to sensory information.
Award 1 mark for explanation and 1 mark for distinction.