Sensory Perceptions Essay Example
Running head: SENSORY PERCEPTIONS 1
Critical Thinking - PHI 210 “Sensory Perceptions”
9 July 2010
SENSORY PERCEPTIONS 2
“Sensory Perceptions” The body’s senses are the input devices of the human computer known as the brain. These senses, touch, sight, smell, sound and taste, are only as effective as the human brain can process the information. The accuracy of these inputs can easily be deceived when the senses conflict or not interpreted as intended. Like any other computer, the information being processed and stored is only as good as the information was input (garbage in, garbage out). Sensory information is almost always subject to interpretation and will certainly influence the thought process regardless of the accuracy of the data.
Inherently, sensory information will only be as accurate as we are familiar with the information being processed. For example, during a sensory exercise in which two people are blind folded, each is given object to determine what they are by touch and smell. If one of the subjects was a mason by trade and the object given to each was a brick, the mason would undoubtedly interpret the sensory information correctly. If the other subject was a heart surgeon by trade, he might have great difficulty interpreting the sensory information being input. In this case, the individual’s lifestyle and upbringing will have an effect on the accuracy of the outcome. There may be external factors which could also affect the accuracy of sensor data. The individual may be under the influence of a recreational or illegal substance, be having a bad day, just not feeling well or stressed about work, family or school. These external factors may skew the interpretation of sensory data giving a false determination. However, sensory data does have its checks and balances by validating the results from one sensor with a different
Critical Thinking - PHI 210 “Sensory Perceptions”
9 July 2010
SENSORY PERCEPTIONS 2
“Sensory Perceptions” The body’s senses are the input devices of the human computer known as the brain. These senses, touch, sight, smell, sound and taste, are only as effective as the human brain can process the information. The accuracy of these inputs can easily be deceived when the senses conflict or not interpreted as intended. Like any other computer, the information being processed and stored is only as good as the information was input (garbage in, garbage out). Sensory information is almost always subject to interpretation and will certainly influence the thought process regardless of the accuracy of the data.
Inherently, sensory information will only be as accurate as we are familiar with the information being processed. For example, during a sensory exercise in which two people are blind folded, each is given object to determine what they are by touch and smell. If one of the subjects was a mason by trade and the object given to each was a brick, the mason would undoubtedly interpret the sensory information correctly. If the other subject was a heart surgeon by trade, he might have great difficulty interpreting the sensory information being input. In this case, the individual’s lifestyle and upbringing will have an effect on the accuracy of the outcome. There may be external factors which could also affect the accuracy of sensor data. The individual may be under the influence of a recreational or illegal substance, be having a bad day, just not feeling well or stressed about work, family or school. These external factors may skew the interpretation of sensory data giving a false determination. However, sensory data does have its checks and balances by validating the results from one sensor with a different