Chapter 16, Problem 1CP

How is sensation different from perception?

Summary Introduction

To review:

The difference between sensation and perception.

Introduction:

Sensation is the ability to feel something physically. It can be defined as the process through which the senses collect information and then send them to the brain for its further interpretation. The perception, on the other hand, is the faculty or art of apprehension by the means of different senses or mind. It involves cognition understanding.

Explanation of Solution

The difference between sensation and perception is as follows:

S. no	Sensation	Perception
1.	It is a passive process that collect information from outside world.	It is an active process that involves selection, organization, and interpretation.
2.	It depends on the surroundings.	It is shaped by learning, expectation, and memory.
3.	It gathers the changes in the external or internal environment consciously or subconsciously.	It is a conscious interpretation of the sensation.
4.	Most sensory information never reaches cerebral cortex.	It is a primary function of the cerebral cortex.

Conclusion

Thus, the sensations have a physical source while the perception is totally cognitive based.