Question

Processing that involves higher functions such as expectations and motivations is known as ____ Whereas processing that recognizes the individual components of a stimulus is known as ______.

Short answer

The first blank should be filled with 'top-down', and the second blank should be filled with 'bottom-up'.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the correct term for the first blank

The type of processing that involves higher functions such as expectations and motivations is referred to as 'top-down' processing. We approach or understand things from a larger context, using prior knowledge, expectations or motivations to help make sense of what we perceive.

Identify the correct term for the second blank

The type of processing that recognizes the individual components of a stimulus is referred as 'bottom-up' processing. Here, perception starts at the sensory input, and we craft a larger understanding from these individual components or parts.

Key concepts

Perception

Perception is the process by which our brain organizes and interprets sensory information. It's how we make sense of everything around us.
When you see a red apple, your eyes may see a round shape and the color red. Your brain puts these pieces of information together to understand that it's looking at an apple.
Perception isn't just about seeing. It involves all our senses. Whether it's sounds, smells, tastes, or textures, our brain takes these inputs and constructs an understanding of the world.
Sometimes, perception is influenced by things like emotions and memories, which can shape the way we see our environment. Understanding perception is crucial because it explains how we interact with our world and make decisions based on sensory information. This intertwines with cognitive psychology, which seeks to understand how people think, learn, and remember.
Ultimately, perception is a dynamic process, continually adjusting and adapting as we experience the world. It's influenced by various factors both internal and external.

Top-Down Processing

Top-down processing is when our brains use prior knowledge, experiences, and expectations to interpret what we see.
Instead of starting from scratch with every new piece of sensory data, we draw upon what's already stored in our memories and mind.
Imagine you see a word with missing letters. Using top-down processing, you can still figure out the word because your brain fills in the gaps based on context and previous knowledge.
This can be particularly useful when we quickly need to recognize a word, a face, or a situation. **Advantages of Top-Down Processing:**

• Helps in making quick decisions.
• Allows us to recognize patterns and familiar objects easily.
• Assists in understanding ambiguous or unclear information.

However, top-down processing might sometimes lead to errors. For instance, if we rely too much on our expectations, we might overlook new information.
In cognitive psychology, understanding top-down processing helps explain phenomena like illusions, where our brain is tricked based on expectations.

Bottom-Up Processing

Bottom-up processing involves processing sensory information from the basic level upwards.
It's like piecing together a puzzle, where you start with individual pieces, and eventually see the whole picture. Unlike top-down processing, bottom-up doesn't rely on prior knowledge or expectations. Instead, it builds an understanding step by step.
When you hear a new song, for example, you listen to the melody, lyrics, and rhythm before forming an opinion or judgment. **Key Points of Bottom-Up Processing:**

• Begins with simple sensory input and moves to complex perception.
• Provides a fresh, detailed perspective without biases from past experiences.
• Useful in learning new skills or encountering novel situations.

In everyday life, bottom-up processing is essential for learning and adapting.
Cognitive psychology highlights the significance of both bottom-up and top-down processes in shaping our perception and interactions with the environment.