Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/psicologia-de-la-percepcion
Have you ever wondered how our senses work to make sense of the world around us? Does perception accurately reflect reality? How do hallucinations differ from normal perception? And what’s the connection between neuroscience and classic psychological theories of perception? If these questions pique your interest, then Coursera’s ‘Psicología de la Percepción’ (Psychology of Perception) course is an absolute must-take.
This introductory course offers a fascinating journey into the intricate world of sensation and perception. It begins by clearly differentiating between sensation and perception, laying a solid foundation for understanding the entire perceptual process. You’ll explore the journey from stimulus to response, delving into the common research methods used to study perception, and touching upon key neuroscientific and psychological concepts. A central theme explored is whether our perception is a true reflection of reality, or if illusions and hallucinations reveal the constructed nature of our experience. The course also ponders the evolutionary function of perception for our species.
The second module dives deep into the most dominant sensory modality: vision. You’ll learn about the basic properties of light and the anatomy and function of the visual system, from the eye to the brain. The course skillfully explains how we perceive shape, depth, and size by decoding the light signals that reach our eyes. It also tackles the intriguing concept of color, highlighting that colors exist not in objects themselves, but in the perceiver. Furthermore, this section examines how visual perception is influenced by, and in turn influences, other senses like hearing and touch.
The final module, ‘Perception and Cognition,’ brilliantly illustrates that perception is more than just processing incoming data. It emphasizes how context and expectations shape our understanding of the world. You’ll discover psychological research demonstrating the influence of prior knowledge on perception, with studies involving both adults and children. The critical role of attention in perception is thoroughly explored, raising questions about whether we can perceive stimuli we’re not attending to, and the relationship between perception and conscious experience. The course also investigates how motivational states can alter our perception, using relatable examples like whether a hill appears steeper when carrying a heavy backpack or if a soccer goal seems larger when winning. Finally, the course concludes with practical applications, showcasing how the principles of perception can be applied in fields like brain injury rehabilitation and advertising design.
‘Psicología de la Percepción’ is an exceptionally well-structured and engaging course. The instructors present complex concepts in an accessible manner, making it suitable for beginners while still offering depth for those with some background. The blend of theoretical knowledge, neuroscientific insights, and real-world examples makes for a truly enriching learning experience. I highly recommend this course to anyone curious about how we experience and interpret our world.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/psicologia-de-la-percepcion