How is perception defined in a psychological context?

Perception in a psychological context is defined as the way something is regarded, understood, and interpreted by individuals. This definition encompasses the cognitive processes involved in organizing, interpreting, and making sense of sensory information. It emphasizes that perception is not just about the raw data received through senses but includes an individual’s subjective experience, past knowledge, and contextual cues that shape how they understand and interpret information.

This understanding is crucial because it highlights the complexity of human perception and how it varies from person to person. Cognitive factors such as attention, expectations, and previous experiences greatly influence this process, making perception uniquely personal and dynamic rather than a mere reflection of external stimuli alone.