Introduction
Sensory perceptions are crucial in people’s lives as they obtain information from the world with the help of the five senses. People have to rely on their ability to see, hear, smell, etc. Inability to use at least one of the senses poses a great threat to a human being (Kirby & Goodpaster, 2007).
However, it is necessary to note that people’s sensory perception is far from being accurate enough. People often fail to evaluate data properly. It is possible to mention a number of factors affecting accuracy of sensory perception, and these factors, in their turn, may help define factors that can contribute to accuracy of sensory data.
Inaccuracy of Sensory Perception
One of the major factors contributing to inaccuracy of sensory perception is biological in nature. Thus, many people have a variety of defects that negatively affect their ability to perceive information. For instance, there are millions of people who do not have 100% sight or hearing. Human sense of smell is not well-developed compared to that of animals’. More so, there are a variety of conditions which prevent people from perceiving information correctly (darkness, numerous noises, etc.).
Another factor is environmental. People now live in a rapidly changing world. They often lack experience to perceive information correctly (Zacks, 2007). For instance, many people may perceive objects inaccurately due to the fact they have not come across such objects.
Finally, development of technology has enabled people to use a variety of tools to fulfill their tasks. People have numerous devices and they tend to rely on those devices instead of using own senses. It is possible to state that people do not use their senses to the fullest as they have other ways to perceive information. People do not develop their senses as they do not need to.
Factors Contributing to the Accuracy of Sensory Data
In the first place, people need to develop their senses. They need to use their senses in different situations. Secondly, it is necessary to note that favorable conditions also contribute to the accuracy of sensory data. For instance, people can see better in daytime.
They can hear well if there are fewer distractions. Finally, people need to gain experience to be able to perceive the world accurately. Thus, it is important to teach people about numerous phenomena to make them prepared to perceive information in this or that situation.
Nurture and Nature
In this respect, it is important to state that two factors shape the way people interpret and evaluate sensory data. These factors are nature and nurture. Nature is the basis and the set of physical abilities available for an individual. In other words, people are born with certain physical peculiarities. However, it is possible to develop those abilities. It is also possible (or rather necessary) to develop one’s sensory perception (Zacks, 2007). People should gain the necessary experience to be able to perceive different information.
Conclusion
To sum up, people have quite inaccurate sensory perception as they have relied on other tools to perceive information for quite a long time. However, it is necessary to develop people’s ability to use their senses.
This is very important since people’s sensory perception may decrease significantly and people will lose their ability to use their senses. Admittedly, without senses a human life will not be full.
Reference List
Kirby, G.R. & Goodpaster, J.R. (2007). Thinking. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
Zacks, J.M., Speer, N.K., Swallow, K.M., Braver, T.S., Reynolds, J.R. (2007). Event perception: A mind-brain perspective. Psychological Bulletin, 133(2), 273-293.