Sensation and Perception Processes in Psychology

The article authored by DeLucia and Levulis (2015) explores the basics of sensation and perception with an eye and its application in effective human integration. The reading comprehensively addresses topics such as light intensity, wavelength and contrast, field of view, light sensitivity, factors influencing perceptual experiences, colour perception and deficiencies. One of the areas that interests me most in the article is the elaboration of the minimum levels of lighting required by the human visual system. On that note, the article indicates that the human eye must perceive a certain level of lighting to activate its sensation and perception. I am also fascinated by the approach taken by the authors in presenting basic issues in perception and sensation which are essential for integration of human systems. As DeLucia and Levulis (2015) explain, sensory modalities are critical components for human systems integration. I have always wanted to have a deep understanding of how the human sensory system works. The article therefore interests me as it expounds on how the sensory system responds to various stimuli in the environment. For the past 4 years, I have developed curiosity on how sensation and perception is applied and the principles of sensory modalities, aspects which are succinctly addressed by the article. 

The article will provide a solid background in my future career since I intend to attend graduate school and become a researcher in the field of perception and sensation. I have selected the article since it gives detailed information on aspects of vision and visual experiences. In connection to that, the authors point out the tasks that people can perform while relying on vision such as reading instruments in an aircraft and monitoring dials and gauges in a nuclear plant. I have a deep passion in studying environmental light properties such as intensity, contrast and wavelength, which are comprehensively explained by the article. The reading will therefore enable me understand reflectance, illuminance and luminance. DeLucia and Levulis (2015) posit that perception of light is dependent on the reflectance on the eye’s surface and the illuminance. Additionally, I have selected the article as it will impart the understanding of how senses of sight and hearing enable humans to interpret information and experience occurrences around the physical world. The reading will expose me to commonly used photometric measures which I also have a keen interest in, such as the albedo, luminous flux and intensity. In relation to that, the authors highlight the international system units used for example lumen, candela and lax. I would like to explore the practical implications of perception and sensation as well as the field of view. Interestingly, DeLucia and Levulis (2015) have undertaken a cogent research on visual experience, and locations in the environment that activates receptors in the field of view. For example, the reading asserts that ordinarily, the vertical and horizontal extent ranges from approximately 90 and 190 degrees when an individual’s head is fixed. After evaluation of several articles, I found this reading most appropriate as it also focuses on limitations and capabilities in the visual environment. DeLucia and Levulis (2015) explain that the human visual system is limited by factors such as acuity, temporal resolution, light sensitivity, field of view and contrast sensitivity. 

Light sensitivity is a topic that interests me and how it affects the human perception and sensation. In connection to that, the article explains that unless an object reflects the minimum amount of light to a human eye, it cannot be seen even if it falls within the field of view. On light sensitivity, I selected the article as it also explores the factors that determine detection of the minimum amount of light. The determinants highlighted include light source wavelength, duration of presentation and size of the target, eccentricity and the previous exposure of the visual system to light or dark environments. The authors studies the adaptation of light sensitivity on the human visual system. Dark adaptation according to DeLucia and Levulis (2015) occurs when a perceiver moves from brightly illuminated environment to a lower illumination. An individual’s eye cons have a high light sensitivity than the rods. The cons have a 3 or 4 minutes maximum sensitivity. Dark adaptation is influenced by numerous factors such as light source wavelength, size, intensity and test stimulus duration. I settled on the article due to its in-depth coverage on acuity, temporal resolution and contrast sensitivity. The article provides insights that visual acuity is dependent on several factors such as shape, eccentricity, luminance and contrast. Temporal resolution relates to aspects such as critical flicker frequency, retinal eccentricity and the eye’s adaptive state (DeLucia & Levulis, 2015). The article has exposed to new knowledge on factors affecting perceptual experiences such as perceived intensity, object perception, depth perception, deficiencies and motion perception. 

The reading conclusive sentiments emphasizes on the importance of determining information available in the environment in designing a system that facilitates perceptual perfomance. It is imperative to quantify light present in an environment in terms of wavelength, contrast and intensity. Higher order variables of stimulation such as individual differences, expectations and prior exposure also influences sensation and perception. The user’s context, limitations, unique capabilities, prior experiences and age ought to be considered when designing visual information. 

Thoughts about the Article 

I think the article is important in giving one an understanding of the process of sensing and perceiving the environment. Upon reading the article, I am able to interpret various sensations and make meaning of the environmental surroundings. The piece of research has brought me closer to understanding how the environmental and physical stimuli such as light is transformed into a rich perceptual and sensory experience. I believe that the research is critical in enabling learners know how sense organs detect stimuli such as light and how the same is transmitted in form of signals to the brain. I am now able to understand how the visual system works, knowledge that will be of essence in designing of equipment used in the everyday life. I am of the opinion that displays such as the ones on the computer interfaces and mobile phone displays should use the findings presented in the article in designing effective visual systems. I think the article presents useful literature which modern day psychologists can employ in expanding the body of knowledge on reception of external stimuli and how the brain makes meaning from signals. I would advise people to adopt the research in designing the illumination and lighting in homes, offices, hospitals, educational institutions and work environments. The research is important in informing decisions relating to wavelength, light intensity and contrast in such institutions. Using the knowledge highlighted by the article would lead to creation of a surrounding that improves perceptual perfomance and improved response by sensory systems. 

Reference

DeLucia, P. R., & Levulis, S. J. (2015). Basics of sensation and perception with an eye toward application . American Psychological Association, Editors: D. A. Boehm-Davis, F. T. Durso,J.D.Lee,-pp.229-245 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301601684_Basics_of_sensation_and_perception_with_an_eye_toward_application