Sensory Perceptions

Sensory Perceptions

Reasons for believing in the accuracy of sensory data

There are numerous reasons why the mind naturally believes in the accuracy of sensory data. For example, on contact with something hot, the human sense of feeling registers the distinct experience and relays it back to the mind (Schmeidler, 1969). This is how the brain believes in the accuracy of the received data and sends instructions to end contact with the hot object before it is burned. In a similar manner, the human sense of smell perceives imminent danger. For instance, the sense of smell registers when there is smoke and relays this information to the brain which processes the information to determine the possibility of a fire (Rhine & Pratt, 1966).

There is also a valid reason to believe in the accuracy of the information provided by the sense of sight. If a person wants to cross the road and sees a car approaching at high speed, his sense of sight will quickly relay this information to the brain which will process it to test its credibility (Rhine & Pratt, 1966). Depending on the distance of the car, the brain will give instructions on whether to cross the road or wait for the car to pass. Once again, the human brain has a reason to trust the accuracy of the collected data.

Reasons for believing in the accuracy of sensory data

There are several reasons for believing that sensory data is inaccurate. Past experiences, for instance, are an important reason that encourages disbelief in the accuracy of sensory data. A girl who sees her boyfriend talking to a cute girl may naturally suspect that he is cheating on her even when she may only be asking him for directions. Such a reaction is particularly expected in case the girlfriend has actually caught her ...