Regarding sensation and perception, which statement is TRUE?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

In approaching the question about sensation and perception, I’ll evaluate each statement on its face value and align it with foundational concepts in psychology.
Option 1: 'Sensation involves the interpretation of a stimulus, whereas perception does not.' This reverses the established roles. Sensation is the process of detecting physical stimuli via sensory receptors, not interpreting them. Perception is the mental interpretation and organization of those sensory signals. Therefore, this statement is incorrect because it confuses sensation with perception.
Option 2: 'Sensation and perception are essentially synonyms.' While related, they are distinct processes. Sensation is about detecting stimuli; perception is about making sense of those stimuli. Treating them as synonymous ignores the sequential and functional separation between detection and interpretation, so this option is inaccurate.
Option 3: 'Perception generally precedes sensation in the processing of a stimulus.' This misstates the temporal order. Sensation occurs first as receptors are activated, and then perception follows as the brain interprets those signals. Since perception depends on prior sensation, this option is incorrect.
Option 4: 'Sensation involves the activation of sense receptors; perception involves interpretation.' This statement accurately captures the core distinction: sensation is about receptor activation and initial encoding of sensory information, while perception is the cognitive process of interpreting, organizing, and giving meaning to those signals. This aligns with standard definitions in sensation and perception literature, making it the correct assertion among the options.

Introduction to Psychology Midterm (1-7) - PSYC 1A - Closes 4/17

Regarding sensation and perception, which statement is TRUE?

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Introduction to Psychology Midterm (1-7) - PSYC 1A - Closes 4/17

Regarding sensation and perception, which statement is TRUE?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

The threshold is the smallest intensity of a stimulus that can be detected half of the time, whereas the threshold is the smallest change in intensity that can be detected.

__________ occurs when the stimulus activates one or more sensory receptor nerves, and the resulting sensations go to the brain for processing.

The brain's ability to collect basic information about incoming stimuli and prepare it for further interpretation it is called:

When cold and warm receptors of the skin are stimulated, what sensation is experienced _____, and who is the psychologist credited with this discovery ______?

Eighteen-year-old Zhanna spends much of her day with her earbuds in her ears. She should keep in mind that playing loud music through her earbuds:

_____ is the detection of stimuli, and _____ is the interpretation of stimuli.

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Making Your Study Simpler

When cold and warm receptors of the skin are stimulated, what sensation is experienced _, and who is the psychologist credited with this discovery __?

_ is the detection of stimuli, and _ is the interpretation of stimuli.