Reflection Paper 3: Sensation, Perception, and Action

1. What are the main points of this chapter reading (focus on concepts, ideas, and theme, not on individual facts)?

Chapter 5 depicts human sense, perception, and action in its theme. Sensation is the information that we get from our surroundings. Perception refers to the manner in which the brain structures and communicates such signals. Action refers to how we respond according to what we feel and see. These are processes that transform throughout life, as demonstrated in the chapter. Babies begin with simple perceiving and progress to complicated movements and concepts. This is explained by three theories: constructivist, nativist, and ecological (Sigelman et al., 2022). Constructivists argue that perception is constructed in the course of learning, whereas nativists argue that we are born with it. The ecological theory by Gibson relates the two concepts and states that perception enables us to behave effectively. In my opinion, this chapter provides an entire image of human interactions with the environment.

1. 2. Was anything unclear or confusing to you?

The concept of affordances mentioned in the ecological theory by Gibson was a confusing part. It would take me two times to know that it implies action possibilities within the environment. The other section that was confusing was the distinction between constructivist/nativist views. They both explain the process of perception, but emphasize different reasons. Constructivists believe that learning is integrative to perception, whereas nativists believe it is inherent (Sigelman et al., 2022). The dynamic systems theory was also initially difficult to grasp. This was even more evident as I observed that skills develop as a demonstration of the combination of body, task, and environment. Once these examples were comprehended, the subject became more reasonable.

1. 3. What was new to you, and did it change the way you think about or perceive things?

I used to believe that perception preceded action, and I now realize that they are dependent on each other. The concept that we learn through doing was a new and significant concept to me. I also knew that there is feedback in walking or reaching, both in the senses and the muscles. This is what made me realize that movement is a matter of perception. I was surprised at the way in which babies learn through experimentation and adaptation of their behaviors (Sigelman et al., 2022). This altered my perception of child development and learning. Now I believe that a safe exploration is the only way to develop as well as the brain. It altered my perception of learning as a process. Now I have a clear picture of how it is true that movement takes place in ordinary suffices; it is composed of a great deal of little sensory actions.

1. 4. Was there anything you would like to explore further or find out more about?

I would like to know more about the relationship between perception and technology and virtual reality. I wonder how virtual circumstances condition or modify our senses. The other field that I would wish to learn about is elderly adaptation to sensory loss. The book explicates that hearing and seeing become weaker, yet I would like to know how individuals cope with it. The use of assistive tools to allow independence is also a topic that I would like to learn about. It would also be interesting to understand sensory overload in contemporary life. Screen time, noise, and multitasking could influence our focus and our daily actions (Sigelman et al., 2022). Learning more about these issues may aid in making people more effective in dealing with technology in their everyday lives.

1. 5. Describe at least one connection between the reading and topics from outside class (other classes, news stories you have seen, etc.).

This chapter relates well to nursing and health policy studies (Sigelman et al., 2022). The concept of sensory decline can be used in nursing when working with the elderly. Essentially, older adults might require light bulbs or visible indicators. Perception and action are also related to physical therapy. The therapists assist patients in movement reconstruction through the feedback of their senses (Sigelman et al., 2022). I recalled other television news regarding child screen time and eye discomfort, also. These are visual development problems and attention problems introduced in the chapter. The awareness of this connection will guide health workers to develop excellent safety and wellness habits across all ages. It demonstrates that theory can be easily used to direct practical use in the health and education scenario.

1. 6. If applicable, give at least one specific example of an aspect or experience in your personal life that is related to the reading.

I related this reading to my experience when I was assisting my younger sister to learn how to walk. I observed their glances down and their readjustments on different occasions. Balance and confidence were acquired through experience. That is an element of dynamic systems theory, in which improvement occurs by trial and error. Another aspect that I find myself related to is attention and multitasking (Sigelman et al., 2022). I usually study with my phone and lose concentration very easily. This assisted me in understanding why one should engage in thorough concentration to learn. The reading aided my increased awareness of how perception, attention, and action influence everyday experiences. I have now used this knowledge by minimizing distractions during my time of study.