Active Perception Essay Example for Free

Active Perception EssayThe Wikipedia article on perception outlined passive perception theory which deposits that perception is a phenomenon that results from a sequence of events. First, the sensory information is interpreted in which the senses mental process and interpret. After processing the information, a response to the information is generated. The best way to represent this theory is by observing how an old information processing system works. Data are fed on to the computer which it processes and interprets after which, a response to the data is produced. However, recent studies show that perception does not occur in such a simple, linear manner. Rather, the information, the input or senses, and the description or interpretation of the information act with one another and form a dynamic relationship. The Wikepedia article on perception refers to this occurrence as active perception. In addition, freeman (78) claimed in his article that perception is a physiological phenomenon which is to a greater extent interlacing than it appears. Previous studies reported that the cerebral cortex is responsible for the analysis of the sensory information.However, recent studies revealed that the brain does more than merely analyzing sensory information by extracting its features. The process of perception involves the past experience of an individualistic which he or she relates to the sensory message. This stimulus (sensory information) and its particular meaning to an individual are expected to be identify based on his or her previous experiences. Millions of neurons are simultaneously at work during perception which Freeman referred to as the brain of chaos.The brain of chaos is complex behavior of neurons that appears to be random but possesses several(prenominal) hidden order in actuality. Various neurons abruptly and simultaneously shift from one complex body process pattern to another in response to the smallest of inputs (Freeman 78). Freeman ( 78) speculated that the brain of chaos makes perception possible. This could explain why some people instantly recognize the distinct smell dental clinics and dislike it due to their mischievous experience in a dental clinic in the past.In the same way, the underlying theory on active perception could explain why people can recognize a famous actor, the sweetness of their favorite food, and a close friends voice at once (Freeman 78). All activities in ones life require perception. It is one of the bases of behavior, beliefs, values, attitudes, and preferences. Perception is as well as important in decision-making and responding to away events. When shopping, for instance, the items that the buyer purchased (and those that he or she rejected) are a reflection of his or her perception on the items price, quality, function, and boilersuit attractiveness.Hence, learning perception works is very important. By understanding the underlying processes involved in perception, how the beh avior, beliefs, values, attitudes, and preferences of an individual are formed would be determined. The cognitive and affective processes involved in decision-making and responding to external events would also be understood by conducting research on perception. Knowing the reason why people behave or think in a certain way would greatly contribute to understanding others.Certainly, when people understand one another, personal relationships would improve, while the activities that directly involve people such as a psychological therapy or a marketing approach would be more effectively implemented. In conclusion, perception is a complex process which is not limited to a passive process of obtaining sensory information. Rather, it is a process that involves past experience and a dynamic relationship between the information, the input or senses, and the description of the information.It was also discovered that perception is a complex brain activity in contrast to previous findings whi ch state that perception occurs at the cerebral cortex. By understanding the process and concept of perception, people would be competent to learn how behavior, beliefs, attitudes, preferences, decision-making, and response to external events are formed. Works Cited Freeman, Walter. The Physiology of Perception. Scientific American, 264 (1991) 78-85. Perception. 20 November 2007. Wikepedia. 20 November 2007 http//en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Perception.