Introduction
A lot about who we are is due to our sensory perceptions. Our actions and inactions are determined by the information processed in our brains. This information is input through the sensory pathway. It is through this way that we connect to the physical world. Many scholars have argued that that which is not first in the senses is not in the mind. Nonetheless, the importance of sensory perceptions in shaping who we are individually does not vouch for their accuracy or inaccuracy. Sensory perceptions are not always accurate as evidenced by incorrect interpretations of the sensory data input into the brain.
Accuracy and inaccuracy of sensory information
When one touches a hot metallic plate, or a hot object, the sensory nerves on the skin sense the high temperatures and through a reflex action, one jerks the finger away. On a chilly day, the sensory nerves in the skin sense the low temperatures and this information is interpreted by the brain. Mechanisms such as vasoconstriction of veins and shaking of muscles are initiated in order to restore homeostasis. Through our eyes, we see various objects in our environment. Through our five senses, we are able to perceive various stimuli in our environment (Kalat, 2011).
Nonetheless, there are reasons to believe in the inaccuracy of sensory information. Through incorrect sensory interpretation, sometimes we experience visual illusions. This is a situation where two objects generate unerringly the same retinal image, although they are apparently different images. An example of a visual illusion that we all experience is the moon or sun illusion. The rising sun and the moon in the horizon seem bigger than the midday sun and overhead moon respectively. Another reason to believe in the inaccuracy of sensory information is hallucinations.
These are perceptions made in the absence of a stimulus that possesses the qualities of a real perception. Thirdly, the fact that reality is not universal is another reason to believe in the inaccuracy of sensory information. Two people undergoing the same stimulus will most probably interpret the information differently. The lack of uniformity in sensory analysis validates this argument.
Factors contributing to the accuracy or inaccuracy of sensory data
Various factors contribute to the accuracy or inaccuracy of sensory data. One of these factors is sensation. The body’s sensory organs offer pure sensation. The body senses different conditions in the environment continuously and when these conditions are unfavorable, this catches our attention. More precisely, the nerve endings in the neurons in our nervous system influence the accuracy of the sensory information. However, health conditions that affect the functioning of the nervous system influence the accuracy of the sensory data. Some of these health conditions include diabetes with foot neuropathy (Kalat, 2011).
Another factor that affects the accuracy or inaccuracy of sensory information is the factor that influences the perception of a particular sensation. For instance, the male and female gender has varied perceptions of color. This is dependent on their individual sensations. As a result, some males have problems differentiating blue from yellow. The third reason that affects the accuracy and inaccuracy of sensory information is culture. Different cultures have different names for similar things. For instance, diverse cultures have diverse names for the same color. Additionally, some have similar names used for different colors. This affects the perception of various stimuli (Kemp, Hollywood & Hort, 2009).
The roles of nature and nurture with regard to the interpretation and evaluation of sensory data
Biology and the environment have different influences on the interpretation and evaluation of sensory data. According to scientists, the perceptual interpretation in humans that results in knowledge is resultant from innate ways that influence the organization of sensory experiences. In addition to this, nature plays an important role in perception as it is through nature that infants gain experiences and knowledge. Arguably, nature and nurture influence the establishment of sensations in humans (Kemp, Hollywood & Hort, 2009).
Through nurture, humans obtain knowledge and experiences that are organized through natural endowments. Various instances support this argument. For instance, individuals though born with eyes need the activation of innate visual mechanisms in the brain in order to see. Another example is the fact that individuals who have been deaf from childhood experience problems with sound even when they recover their hearing capabilities at an older age.
Conclusion
Unequivocally, nurture and nature have an influence on sensory perceptions in human beings. Sensory information is not always accurate as espoused in the discussion above because of the influence of human and non-human factors.
References
Kalat, J. W. (2011). Introduction to psychology. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
Kemp, S., Hollywood, T., & Hort J., (2009). Sensory evaluation. New York. John Willey and Sons.
