...Assignment 1 Sensory Perceptions Ms. Angelia L. McNair Strayer University, Christiana Professor Dr. Chelsea Snelgrove Critical Thinking – PHI 210 January 23, 2014 There are five senses they are taste, sound, sight, smell, and touch. As humans, we should believe in the accuracy of sensory information because when we were first born we have the ability of sense. Five senses are important in terms of providing us with information about the world and our environments. Perception involves the selection, organization, and interpretation of sensory information. Our sensing-thinking connection is closely interrelated that our thinking often begins in our senses, progresses through additional sensory input, and shapes itself to our sensing habits; conversely, thinking can shape the way sense. For these explanations, we as humans should believe the accuracy of our sensory information as it is received. A great thinker, John Locke says that our brain is a blank slate at birth, or is it innate with ideas? John Locke agrees with Aristotle and calls the mind a tabula rasa (blank slate) that our senses and experiences write upon. Other philosophers (Plato), psychologists (Jung) and linguists (Chomsky) agree at least partially with this concept. They do not believe that the mind (or brain) start empty. I tend to agree the thoughts of Plato, Jung, and Chomsky that we have innate, or inborn, ideas or structures in our mind. The statement “There is nothing in the mind unless...
Words: 389 - Pages: 2
...Our mind perceives the world around us by using our five senses; sight, smell, touch, taste and hearing. We perceive the world around us through our senses. These perceptions form new thoughts and ideas. A very important question is then raised, how accurate are these senses? While in some ways they are accurate, in some ways they are quite flawed. There are many factors that contribute to these flaws such as sleep and nutrition. We must also consider the role that “nature” vs. “nurture” has on our senses. In the end our senses are only as accurate as circumstances allow them to be. One reason I believe in the inaccuracy of our senses is something called the McGurk effect so named after its discoverer, Harry McGurk. (web Hoskins yale) While studying infants and how they perceive speech Harry McGurk created a video that is quite baffling. In the video a volunteer is visually recorded saying “ga” but the sound “ba” is dubbed over it. (Haskins) When you watch the video however you hear the sound “da”. (Haskins) Our sense of sight is telling us one thing while our sense of hearing is telling us another. Because of the inaccuracy of these senses the information perceived by them, the sound “da”, is also incorrect. Another reason I believe our senses are inaccurate is phantom limb pain. This is a condition that results from the amputation of a limb and is a combination of psychological and neurological factors. This condition can be treated using a number of prescription...
Words: 999 - Pages: 4
...SENSORY PERCEPTIONS Barbara Jerry Critical Thinking January 20, 2013 Reality under normal circumstances is something that can be easily comprehended and understood by everyone; however, that is not always how it plays out. Our interpretations of what our senses reveal appear to be true in our individual realms of existence. Oftentimes, people believe what they are told, what they feel or what they believe by faith but never fully experiencing the actual event or episode. Sometimes we live in a reality that has been manufactured by someone else and we accept it as truth. Recently reported in the news media, we were all duped (myself included) into believing the untrue reality of the once highly accomplished but now disgraced Tour de France cyclist, Lance Armstrong. We all road along with him on those championship runs, felt his anguish and pain at being accused of taking performance enhancement drugs as well as blood doping; we defended and support his denials and prayed for him to overcome his cancer. It was shocking to learn the real truth, that Lance’s reality and our perception of him was in fact a hurtful lie to so many and it was deceitful to the extreme. Inaccuracy of Sensory Data At times our senses are accurate in terms of delivery but things are not always as they seem. When our senses are in good working order, they are reliable tools. But at times they often fail to transmit accurate data to the brain particularly when we are ill, drowsy, exhausted...
Words: 1153 - Pages: 5
...Sensory Perceptions Carmenchita McCoy Johnson Strayer University Critical Thinking PHI210 Kerri Flanagan January 22, 2014 Sensory Perceptions Provide at least three (3) reasons for believing in the accuracy or inaccuracy of sensory information. I believe in the accuracy of some sensory information such as the sensory of touch, which helps me decipher the difference between something that is either too hot or too cold. My sensory of touch signals to me that “fire” is hot. My sensory of sight indicates to me when I visually see “fire” that it is hot. When I see smoke, my thinking pattern indicates to me that something is either on fire or burning which probably could indicate a fire. My sense of smell considering what is burning could alert me that there was a fire in progress. As far as inaccuracy of sensory information that would be my assuming that if I was walking down a street that appeared to be safe because I do not see the threat of a mob gathering or a person standing in the street which I would think cause me harm. However, I could be walking down the same street that appeared to be safe from my visualization not knowing that right around one of the corners there is a person lurking waiting for me to walk by. As I further think in regards to other articles that I have read what I may perceive as explainable to me on certain subjects it does not mean that the next person that is presented with the same thoughts would come to the same conclusion (Gauker, C. (2012)...
Words: 599 - Pages: 3
...Sensory Perceptions Patsy M. Mendoza Professor Dena Hurst Critical Thinking 210 April 18, 2013 Provide at least three reasons for believing in the accuracy or inaccuracy of sensory information. Senses are reliable tools but at times they often fail to transmit accurate data to the brain. When a person is ill, drowsy, or exhausted the senses tend to be less efficient. For infants, sensing will usually occur before a thought but for adults, it occurs simultaneously while engaging in thoughts. Adults usually depend on their senses in almost everything they do from thinking before doing something to not thinking and doing things that come naturally to them. Perception comes between simple sensation and complex cognitive behavior (human nervous system, 2013). Perception is so automatic to individuals that they hardly realize that what they are seeing and hearing is only an interpretation (human nervous system, 2013). Three reasons for believing in the accuracy or inaccuracy of sensory information is discernment, elucidation, and awareness. Discernment is the ability to judge well (The Free Dictionary, 2013). Discernment generates one’s experience of the world around them and allows them to respond inside his or her surroundings. Elucidation is a communication method intended to clarify or explain that serves to make the explanation clear (The Free Dictionary, 2013). Finally awareness; awareness is defined as having knowledge and cognitive response to a situation...
Words: 873 - Pages: 4
...Running Head: Sensory Perceptions Sensory Perceptions: The Accuracy of Sensory Information With The Role of Nature and Nurture Twyala Pennell PHI 210: Critical Thinking July 18, 2011 It is a commonly known that we humans have five senses: touch, taste, smell, hearing and vision. All of these senses that we have, work together to give us a reliable picture of the world and where we belong in it. Our senses incorporate to make us understand who we are, where we are, and what is happening around us. Because our brain feeds and process information about sights, sounds, textures, smells, tastes and movement in an organized way, we put meaning to our sensory experiences, therefore, we are able to respond and behave accordingly. We may not see the world as it is that’s where accuracy of sensory information is determined. False information can be provided with just alone senses but working together with the accuracy of sensory information will make the chances greater. Three reasons to believe in the accuracy of sensory information are; the ability to use our senses to provide data so that our brain can identify the truth, senses help tie the brain and emotions together, and gives the mind the potential to determine what reality is. The reasons listed above are extremely important when it comes to the accuracy of sensory information because there will be consequences that would mean you’re changing the world around you. The idea of subjective reality asserts...
Words: 799 - Pages: 4
...Assignment 1: Sensory Perceptions Nicole Brock PHI 210 Renee Pistone 10/21/2012 “The brain, a complex structure, allows a human being to perceive and react to their environment, contemplate "the big questions," and experience a myriad of emotions. The brain controls the body and maintains the delicate internal balance needed to sustain life” (Smith, 2010). If fortunate enough, we humans all have five senses: vision, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. All of these senses that we have, work together to give us a conscientious picture of the world and where we belong in it. The statement, “There is nothing in the mind unless it is first in the senses” (Kirby & Goodpaster, pg. 54), means, that our brain would be empty without our senses. Our senses consolidate to make us understand who we are, where we are, and what is happening around us. Because our brain feeds and processes information about our five senses, we put meaning to our sensory experiences, thus, we are able to respond and behave accordingly. We rely on accurate observations. Our senses prove its accuracy on a daily basis and “act as our lenses, amplifiers, particle detectors, and pressure and heat gauges” (Kirby & Goodpaster, pg. 54). Our vision allows us to be aware so we can stop at red lights, wait for cars to pass, and know when it is safe to walk across the street. Hearing is another powerful sense that we use to listen to words, is crucial in communication, and is interactive with our thinking...
Words: 1019 - Pages: 5
...Sensory Perception PHI 210 Strayer University Sensory Perception PHI 210 The sensory system is a part of the nervous system. It is responsible for processing our sensory information, and it is the way in which we make contact in our everyday lives through our five senses – sight, touch, hearing, smell and taste. (IML Training, 2012) Our sensory receptors allow us to pick up information – ears, eyes, nostrils, tongue and skin. All senses evolve to collect their distinct type of information about our environment and to inform us of our status within it. (Goldstein, 2009) The brain is deeply connected to sensory data creating memories. Thinking and memory go hand in hand. When life senses filter our brain, our senses link to our brain as we think. Memory allows us to push forward and experience the future. How and what we think has a lot to do with our ability to remember. Poor or distorted memory stifles thought and can make it difficult. No one has a perfect memory; hearing and listening to recollections from others which may create accurate versions of our life experiences is advised. At times of sickness or fatigue, our perceptions can very well deceive our brain. (Goodpaster, 2007) In describing perception, it is the interpretation of what is sensed. Transmissions from physical events to the retina can be interpreted in the form of patterns, colors and shapes. These same physical events filter through the ear and can be interpreted as voices, music...
Words: 815 - Pages: 4
...Understanding Sensory Perception SSCI206-1101A-01 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xx xxxxxxxx 20xx AIU Online Abstract In this paper, we address sensory perception relevant to touch perception, temperature perception and taste perception. It contains three experiments, one experiment relevant each perception addressed in this paper. Additionally, we explore the method by which each of the three sensory perceptions is received and interpreted by the human brain. Lastly, we look at the reason why sensory adaptation is of significance relevant an evolutionary perspective. Understanding Sensory Perception Three different experiments were conducted to investigate human sensory adaptation. In the first experiment, a sheet of course grit sandpaper was placed on a table and the test subject gently moved a finger over the sheet of sandpaper 5 times. Using a rating scale of 1 to 7, 1 being a rating of very fine and 7 being a rating of very coarse, the subject rated the level of coarseness as a 7. After 1 minute, the subject again gently moved the same finger over the same sheet of sandpaper 5 times. Using the same rating scale of 1 to 7, the subject rated the level of coarseness as a 4. In the second experiment, three medium sized bowels were placed on a table. The left bowl contained 50% total capacity hot tap water, the center bowl contained 50% capacity lukewarm water and the bowl on the right contained 50% capacity cold tap water...
Words: 1254 - Pages: 6
...Sensory Perceptions Human observers have fair accuracy within certain restricted domains. An example is a comparison of a flying ant and termites. The correct classification of each can repeatedly and accurately be made by many different observers with minimal training, thus making unaided vision and an accurate detector of termites. Despite elevation of human detectors by specialists in this field as the ultimate standard, the domains of accuracy, precision and resolution of the human senses, and even within those domains humans often do not provide the best results. One may think that each sense consists in discrete and completely independent ways of processing information about the world. Also, there is the perception that the processing of signals from the eyes is completely separate from the processing of signals from the ears. Others still think that there are physically isolable systems in the brain corresponding to each sense. Looking at human physiological mechanisms pertaining to different senses, we find that they are not completely discrete (Macpherson, 2011). Research shows that there is interaction between sensation and audition referred to as sensory modalities. I believe human senses can be accurate because deliverables of senses feed into one cognitive system that comprises and governing beliefs, desires, thoughts, and other proportional attitudes. An example is that if one hears a scream and sees a Lion, it is obvious to come to one believe that there is both...
Words: 533 - Pages: 3
...Sensory Perceptions Rodney Edwards Professor Andrew N. Carpenter PHI 210 4/27/2014 Provide at least three reasons for believing in the accuracy or inaccuracy of sensory information. The three main reasons for believing in the accuracy or inaccuracy of sensory information would be Perception, interpretation, and knowledge. Without ours senses we are nothing. We would not be able to Touch taste, feel, or smell. They are who we are. Perception is our sensory experience of the world around us and involves both the recognition of environmental stimuli and actions in response to these stimuli. http://www.studymode.com/subjects/. What we are experiencing at any given moment or our experience in life is what the inaccuracy of sensory information is based on. Knowledge is the key for believing in the accuracy or inaccuracy of sensory information. Knowledge informs decisions about what to believe and how to act. It also aides in making good decisions. More importantly, knowledge is the basis for right and wrong. Identify and describe at least three factors contributing to the accuracy of sensory data. One factor contributing to the accuracy of sensory data would be smell. Our sense of smell is very important. It can send us messages. If there is a fire you could smell it ahead of time and get others to safety. Your sense of smell could tell you messages about your own body if your body did not smell so pleasant, so that you can correct the problem. It can also aid you in cooking...
Words: 779 - Pages: 4
...Sensory Perceptions Victoria Shelton Strayer University PHI 210 Joel Goldstein January 25, 2013 Sensory Perceptions Reasons for believing in the accuracy of sensory information What is sensory perception? Sensory perception is the events or occurrences in the environment a person takes in, processes and understands through their five senses. Three reasons for believing in the accuracy or inaccuracy of sensory information is perception, interpretation, and knowledge. In the words of Jacques Barzun, “In ordinary speech the words perception and sensation tend to be used interchangeably, but the psychologist distinguishes. Sensations are the items of consciousness—a color, a weight, a texture—that we tend to think of as simple and single. Perceptions are complex affairs that embrace sensation together with other, associated or revived contents of the mind, including emotions (Barzun, 1907).” Perception is the organization, identification and interpretation of sensory information in order to represent and understand the environment (2003). This is as a result of organizing and interpreting information that is gained from our five senses which we use on a daily basis. Our senses can be helpful to us in many ways by providing our brains with the right information, or harmful by making our minds play tricks on us. The accuracy of this information that is taken in varies because of many different reasons. Sensory information is gained as first-hand information...
Words: 973 - Pages: 4
...Assignment 1: Sensory Perceptions Name PHI 210219VA013-114-001: Critical Thinking Professor: Professor name., Ph.D Strayer University January 28, 2014 1. Provide at least three (3) reasons for believing in the accuracy or inaccuracy of sensory information. Sensory perception can be defined as receipt through the power of physical awareness, hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, touching, and comprehensible upon transfer to reason. I believe in the accuracy of sensory information but our sensory perception can be misleading. Sensory perception is a part of our daily life and everyone approaches and perceives things differently. This old phrase or saying has been stated for centuries, "we can't always believe what we see." This falls into the first cause which is an interpretation. Everyone interpret things differently, even though we could be watching, feeling, and hearing, the same event or occurrence. This leads right into my second point which is sight perception. The senses of sight teach the mind to see everything that is visual directly in front of us and to detect movement in our peripheral vision. With that being said, we have taught ourselves that what is recognize as one thing may not be identified as the same thing by another person. One of the most notable disagreements would be colors. Due to the fact that there are so many different...
Words: 879 - Pages: 4
...Critical Thinking PHI 210: Sensory Perception Sherman Woodard July 09, 2012 Professor Dr. Charles Fleming Strayer University Three reasons for believing in the accuracy or inaccuracy of sensory information is perception, interpretation, and knowledge. Perception is our sensory experience of the world around us and involves both the recognition of environmental stimuli and actions in response to these stimuli (Bagley, 2004). Through the perceptual process, we gain information about properties and elements of the environment that are critical to our survival. Perception not only creates our experience of the world around us, and it also allows us to act within our environment. Interpretation is a communication process, designed to reveal meanings, and relationships of our cultural and natural heritage, through involvement with objects, artifacts, landscapes and sites. Interpretation is how we perceive certain situations through our own thoughts and beliefs. Knowledge is a familiarity with someone or something, which can include facts, information, descriptions, or skills acquired through experience or education. It can refer to the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject. It can be implicit (as with practical skill or expertise) or explicit (as with the theoretical understanding of a subject), and it can be more or less formal or systematic. The definitions of perception, interpretation, and knowledge are closely entwined when it comes to the accuracy or...
Words: 751 - Pages: 4
...Sensory Perceptions Strayer University PHI 210 January 20, 2013 The reasons to believe in the accuracy of sensory information all goes back to our senses and what we’ve experienced beforehand. But our senses are not always accurate. Throughout our life our senses have enriched our brain, and currently our senses link with our brain as we think. Powerful though they are, our senses do not always deliver accurate data to our brain (Kirby and Goodpaster, 2007). Although that’s said I do believe in the accuracy in senses, like touch. Our senses tells us when we have a bug crawling up our leg, when we are about to trip and fall or when you come in contact with something hot, your sense of feeling would send an instant message to your brain that what you are feeling is extremely hot and that you should pull away, the result would be of you removing your hand quickly based on the sensory message sent to your brain of danger and to move it so that you would not get burned. Another example would be our sense of smell which can give us a signal of many things good and bad. If you smell gas in your home, the first thing that comes to mind is a very dangerous situation. So with this you can definitely trust your sensory information. Sensory memory is an amazing ability. It is considered the shortest term element of our memory. Sensory memory enables us to retain memory of sensory information after the initial stimuli has ended. We have five senses which are: sight, hearing...
Words: 612 - Pages: 3
