Sensation vs Perception
Sensation and perception tend to be confused as terms that convey the same meaning, but there are differences between them. Sensation refers to the process of using the senses through touch, smell, sight, sound, and taste, while perception is the manner in which we interpret the world through our senses. In psychology, these two processes are studied for their connection and significance. Sensation and perception should be seen as processes that complement each other, rather than as unrelated processes.
Key Takeaways
- Sensation is the process of sensing through touch, smell, sight, sound, and taste.
- Perception is the manner in which we interpret the world through our senses.
- In psychology, sensation and perception are viewed as complementary processes, not unrelated ones.
What is Sensation?
Sensation involves the use of our sensory organs, such as vision, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. In psychology, sensation is considered one of the basic processes of human beings to make sense of the world around them. However, it is only a primary process. The word “sensation” has its adjectival form in the word “sensational,” while the word “perception” has its adjectival form in the word “perceptive.” The term sensation can be understood at different levels, which brings out various meanings.
What is Perception?
Perception is how we interpret the world around us. As a result of sensation, we receive various stimuli through our sensory organs. However, if these stimuli are not interpreted, we cannot make sense of the world. This is the function of perception. In everyday conversations, we use the term perception to convey a more general meaning of perceiving or being aware. Perception is one of the proofs of valid knowledge according to some schools of thought or philosophy. Anything that can be perceived or seen is the proof of valid knowledge. The word “sensation” is derived from the secondary noun “sense,” which means “sense organ.”
What is the Difference Between Sensation and Perception?
- Sensation is the process of sensing through touch, smell, sight, sound, and taste.
- Perception is the manner in which we interpret the world through our senses.
- Sensation is usually followed by perception.
