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 processing that involves higher functions such as expectations and motivations is known as top-down processing whereas the processing that recognizes the individual components of a stimulus is known as bottom-up processing.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the First Type of Processing

The processing type that involves higher functions such as expectations and motivations is referred to as top-down processing. In top-down processing, perception is driven by cognition. The person's cognitive understanding, such as expectations and/or previous knowledge, affect perception of the stimulus.

Identify the Second Type of Processing

The processing type that recognizes individual components of a stimulus refers to a method where perception starts at the sensory input, the stimulus. This type of processing is known as bottom-up processing. In this, perception takes place as it occurs from the lowest (sensory) level to the highest (cognitive) level.

Key concepts

Top-Down Processing

Top-down processing is a concept in cognitive psychology that emphasizes the role of prior knowledge, expectations, and experiences in shaping our perception of the world. Instead of starting with sensory input, it begins with our mental frameworks and beliefs.
For example, when you walk into a room you visit often, your brain already has a blueprint. You expect a certain layout and objects in specific places. Therefore, when something is out of place, like a moved chair, you notice quickly because it doesn't fit your mental expectation.

• This approach allows us to make quick decisions since we rely on existing knowledge.
• It highlights the influence of subjective perspectives—different people might perceive the same event differently.

However, this can also lead to perceptual errors. We might see what we expect to, rather than what is actually present, like mistaking a friend for a stranger because we're looking for someone else in a crowd.

Bottom-Up Processing

Bottom-up processing is the opposite of top-down processing. It starts with the sensory data—the pure information that our eyes, ears, skin, and other senses collect. From these raw details, our brain constructs a perception.
Imagine looking at a new painting for the first time. You begin by noticing colors, shapes, and textures. As your brain processes this information, you might discern patterns or recognize objects.

• This method relies heavily on actual data input and is less influenced by preconceived notions.
• It's particularly useful in unfamiliar situations where we have no prior knowledge.

Bottom-up processing is vital for learning and recognizing new things. However, it can be slower since it lacks the shortcuts provided by top-down processing.

Perception

Perception is a fascinating blend of top-down and bottom-up processing, resulting in how we consciously experience the world around us. It's not just passively receiving sensory data or solely guided by what we already know; it's a dynamic integration of the two.
For instance, when reading this text, you're using bottom-up processing to recognize letters and words, while top-down processing helps you understand the meaning through sentence context and prior knowledge of language.

• Our perceptions are tailored; they can change based on new information or fresh experiences.
• Attention is a key factor—what we focus on can alter our perception of an event.

Perception is crucial in everyday life because it affects how we interact with and interpret our surroundings. Understanding it can help us become more aware of potential biases in how we view the world.