Define perceptual learning and explain how the concepts of perceptual expertise and perceptual set are related to perceptual learning.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Perceptual learning involves long-term changes to perceptual areas of the brain, which improves the way that we respond to the environment. Through this type of learning, your brain learns which features and dimensions of the environment are important and should be allocated attentional resources. To maintain this learning, the brain requires repeated practice with the perception of visual stimuli. Perceptual expertise is related to perceptual learning, as it requires repeated connections between objects and perceptual centers in the brain. To become an expert requires a lot of experience and practice. The text gives the examples of chess players and baseball players. This practice is critical and allows experts to make split-second decisions. Perceptual set is based on the effect that expectations have on how we see or perceive something. These expectations are created by the prior experiences we have had, which relates back to perceptual learning. If our experiences associated with certain stimuli are consistent, perceptual learning will take place and a perceptual set will be developed.