Response Paper 3
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Response Paper 3
The text introduces perception and the environment. Perception helps us in building an image of the situation. Human give and receive influence from the environments that they inhabit. Through this statement, the psychology of human interaction with the environment can be understood. For instance, sensation and perception can be understood, in the context of environmental stimulation. In the book, perception is related to cognitive processes. Similarly, processing of environmental stimuli involves these processes. This is crucial in understanding how our environments shape our psychology. For instance, it is understood that failure to process stimuli may lead to various effects (Bell, Greene, Fisher & Baum 2001).
In the book, great importance is placed on extensive analysis (Bell et al 2001). Consequently, a holistic approach to environmental perception is adopted by the author. Through this approach, a reader understands the relation of various stimuli. Similarly, a transactional approach is adopted, which explains that components of the environment are inseparable. The use of a holistic approach, in the book, correlates to Gestalt psychology. In my opinion, this approach is of great benefit. Humans therefore, have a better perception of a complete environment, rather than individual components. From the book, it is seen that environmental stimuli differ in their objective usefulness. Similarly, the role of personal experiences is stated. By taking this approach, the importance of mental filters on environmental perception is understood (Bell et al 2001).
The author incorporates time as an aspect of environmental perception. In my opinion, this improves the understanding of habits and change as aspects of perception. For instance, the author explains that responses to constant stimuli weaken over time. This explains how people may adapt to difficult environments. Cognitive maps are presented as an important tool in studying environmental perception. Consequently, qualities of different areas, as assigned by people, can be understood. In my opinion, this helps in identifying how different types of people understand the environment. For instance, children view their environments differently from adults (Bell et al 2001).
References
Bell, et al. (2001). Environmental Perception and Cognition in Environmental Psychology, Fifth Edition. Orlando, FL: Harcourt Inc.