This paper is an exploration of the sensory systems and perception. How does the brain construct reality? Sight, sound, touch, smell, taste - these are the processes that allow us to interact with the world and with each other, ultimately enabling us to build our own individualised versions of reality. In this paper we explore the amazing capabilities of our brains in constructing perceptions from sensory experiences. Examples of misperceptions in which our brains are fooled, such as in perceptual illusions, as well as everyday sensory-perceptual experiences that make up our realities will be covered. Lecture topics range from sensory-perceptions associated with vision, audition, haptic sensation, space, and cross modality effects such as synaesthesia.
About this paper
| Paper title | Sensation and Perception |
|---|---|
| Subject | Psychology |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,243.65 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- PSYC 210 and PSYC 211 and PSYC 212
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Science
- Notes
- (i) For Neuroscience students the prerequisite is PSYC 211. (ii) With departmental approval, a student who has achieved a grade of at least a B in each of PSYC 210 and 212 may take no more than one of PSYC 313-331 concurrently with PSYC 211. (iii) With departmental approval, a student who has achieved a grade of at least a B in PSYC 211 may take no more than one of PSYC 313-331 concurrently with PSYC 210 and 212.
- Eligibility
With departmental approval, a student who has achieved a grade of at least B+ in each of PSYC 210 and 212 may take no more than one of PSYC 313-331 concurrently with PSYC 211.
With departmental approval, a student who has achieved a grade of at least B+ in PSYC 211 may take no more than one of PSYC 313-331 concurrently with PSYC 210 and 212.- Contact
- More information link
- View more information on the Department of Psychology's website
- Teaching staff
Lecturer: Professor Liz Franz
- Paper Structure
This paper presents a survey of the following topics:
- Psychophysics
- Haptic/space sensations and perceptions
- Visual-somatosensory sensations and perceptions (illusions)
- Clinical Case Studies
- Consciousness
- Body schema and motor perceptions
- Synaesthesia
- Amusia
- Phantom pain and movement experiences
Each week's topic will be presented in lecture, and then, a short supplementary reading will be assigned. One week's reading may consist of a few newspaper articles, while another week's reading may be a chapter from a popular science book; all readings will be accessible via Blackboard.
- Textbooks
There are no textbook requirements for this paper.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will develop:
• A foundational understanding of the sensory-perceptual systems
• An appreciation of the roles of nature and nurture in perceptual development
• Recognition of the ever-increasing interplay between technology and sensation/perception