Perception is a synonym for the Latin term “perception”. It literally means sensory cognition of the objects of the world and their subsequent reflection. It is often identified with the term “sensation”. And they are truly interconnected. But there are differences. However, the physiological basis of perception is much more interesting. I would like to talk about her.
Sensations as a structural component
So, the physiological basis of perception is the joint activity of a system of analyzers that function in a single complex.
How it works? First, at the ends of the nerves entering the central nervous system, signals appear. The reason for this is just an external stimulus, which can be any factor of the internal and external environment that causes increased sensitivity or arousal.
So, this signal enters the cerebral cortex. "Transport" for him are conducting nerve paths. After that, the signal enters the sensory zones of the cortex. This can be said to be the central projection of nerve endings. And subsequently sensory information is already being formed . And its “content” depends on which sense organ is associated with that zone.
The process ends with the transfer of excitation to the integrative zones. There, images of the real world are finishing to form. After which we get ready-made information and sensations. And all this happens in some billionths of a second.
Physical activity
The physiological basis of perception is directly connected with it. Accordingly, the process of processing information is complicated. Since nerve excitations, the occurrence of which provoked the action of an external stimulus, go to the centers in which they cover several zones of the cerebral cortex at once. As a result, the beginning of interaction with other impulses.
For example, eyes. It is through vision that we receive about 90% of all information! But the eyes are an organ. And there are muscles in it that are almost constantly involved. Even if a person himself analyzes how his eyes work, he will understand that this organ seems to “feel” the object. Especially if he is of any interest. Without natural eye movements, the image will not normally line up, and this has already been proved by numerous experiments. There are very interesting experiments on this topic, and some of the most entertaining were conducted by N. Yu. Vergiles and V.P. Zinchenko, and also by A.N. Leontyev.
Reflex component
It also contains the physiological basis of perception. Everyone knows that a reflex is a stable, unconscious reaction to a stimulus that occurs with the participation of the central nervous system. If a person accidentally touches a battery that is too hot, he will pull his hand away immediately. This is the reflex.
So, with this aspect the physiological basis of perception in psychology is connected. For the first time Ivan Petrovich Pavlov came to this. He proved that perception is a reflex process. According to the scientist, it is based on temporary nerve connections, which are formed when exposed to nerve receptors, which is exerted by any phenomenon or object. They come in two forms. Those that belong to the first are formed within one analyzer. That is, when the body is affected by a single complex stimulus. A music track is a complex combination of hotel sounds and melodies. However, the auditory analyzer perceives it as one irritant.
Often the physiological basis of perception is the interanalyser reflex. This is the second type of temporary neural connection. By it is meant the connections occurring within several analyzers. For example, when a person watches a film, he pays attention to the picture, the game of actors and musical accompaniment. This is the interanalyzer connection.
Thinking
The concept of perception and its physiological basis include this aspect without fail. Thinking is the most important mental process. As well as a rather complex philosophical and medical concept. This is a process involving memory, emotions, sensations. In the course of thinking, a person actively displays reality. And it is objective only if it is holistic. For the image to turn out just like that, everything must be taken into account - taste, weight, shape, color, sound, etc. Take, for example, people who have been deaf from birth. They see a bird, and it seems beautiful to them. But they, unfortunately, do not have the opportunity to fully realize how beautiful and amazing she is, because they cannot hear her singing. In this case, and in all others like him, the image is incomplete.
Memory
Considering the physiological basis and types of perception, one cannot but note this topic. Memory is a complex of higher mental functions and abilities to accumulate, preserve and further reproduce certain information and skills.
Previous knowledge of a particular subject is very important. If an object is familiar to a person, then it is automatically “transferred” to a certain category. That is, in simple terms. In fact, the complete perception of familiar objects is the result of complex analytical and synthetic work. Few people think about this until they find out about amnesia. Or will not run into her. A person simply forgets what happened to him at one moment (not without reason, of course), and may never remember this again, or recognize people with whom he has been associated with his whole life.
It is also worth noting the desire to perceive a certain object. A student can read a compendium on an uninteresting subject from cover to cover, but not a word to remember. Because at that moment he lacked attention and focus.
Apperception
Another process that includes the physiological basis of perception. In short, apperception is the result of which the elements of consciousness become distinct and clear. The fundamental property of the human psyche. A person, perceiving objects and phenomena, realizes them - passes through himself. And how he “decrypts” this or that information for himself depends on his mental life, personal constitution.
This includes the mental abilities of a person, his beliefs, values and outlook on life, world outlook and, of course, character. And all of the above is different for each of us. Therefore, all people have like-minded people, and absolute opposites. Since what is the norm for some, others do not accept.
Sense of smell
Above, a lot of attention was paid to information in its traditional sense. But aromas and smells are also it. Only this information is of a slightly different order. However, it must be noted by attention, talking about the physiological basis of perception in psychology.
In short, the sense of smell is a person’s ability to detect odors scattered in the air. For this, we all have a special epithelium located in the nasal cavity. On the olfactory nerves, impulses enter the subcortical centers. Not right away, of course. And through the olfactory bulbs. Their “final” is the cortical center of smell of the brain. That is, the temporal department, where olfactory information is processed. And each has a different way. Many associate aroma preferences with psychology.
Some say, for example, that introverts smell better than extroverts do. Others believe that lovers of vibrant colors prefer fruit flavors. Those who like rich, dark tones like oriental, “warm” smells. However, this is another topic.
Total
Finally, a couple of words as a conclusion. Based on everything that was said above, we can conclude: perception is based on complex mental and physiological processes. And, in particular, systems of analytic connections, due to which all information is absorbed in the best way.