PSYC 100 Chapter Notes -Olfactory Receptor, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Color Vision

• School: Queen's University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 100
• Professor: Meredith Chivers

Document Summary

In many ways, the study of sensation, and perception, represents the origins of psychology. Most of the earliest psychologists were interested in issues of sensation and perception. Sensation and perception are related, but are, crucially, different concepts. Sensation is the process by which our sensory systems gather information about the environment. Perception is the selection, organization and interpretation of sensations. For example, the sensation of a light pressure on skin might be perceived as a gentle, loving touch. Scientific investigation of sensation and perception began in the 19th century. Von helmholtz (1821-1894) was instrumental in developing the science of physiology in directions that answered psychological questions about perception. His approach led to the acceptance of physiological explanations for mental phenomena. His work, and the work of his students, laid the foundation of our current understanding of hearing and vision, via research on the physiology of the ear and eye.