Pretest For AP Psychology 2016-2017

The drug in this study is referred to as the independent variable because it is being manipulated by the researcher to observe its effect on sleep patterns. The independent variable is the factor that the researcher changes or controls in an experiment to see how it influences the dependent variable, which is the variable being measured or observed. In this case, the researcher is studying the influence of the drug on sleep patterns, making the drug the independent variable.

Dissociative Identity Disorder, also known as multiple personality disorder, is a condition in which an individual experiences the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states within themselves. These different identities may have their own unique characteristics, memories, and behaviors. This disorder is characterized by disruptions in memory, consciousness, and perception.

The explanation for the correct answer, Hierarchy of Needs, is that this theory suggests that individuals are motivated by different levels of need. According to this theory, once our basic biological needs are met, such as food, water, and shelter, we strive to fulfill higher-level needs, such as social and psychological needs. This theory was proposed by Abraham Maslow and is often depicted as a pyramid, with the most basic needs at the bottom and the highest needs at the top.

The biomedical model refers to the approach of using medicine or pharmacological interventions to treat psychological disorders instead of talk therapies. This model emphasizes the biological factors and abnormalities that contribute to mental illnesses and focuses on addressing these through medication. Unlike psychotherapy, which involves talking and exploring psychological issues, the biomedical model primarily relies on medications to alleviate symptoms and improve mental health. The use of medicine in the treatment of psychological disorders is a key characteristic of the biomedical model.

Depressants are drugs that slow down the nervous system. They work by depressing or reducing the activity of the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. This can result in a decrease in brain activity, relaxation of muscles, and a calming effect. Depressants are commonly used as sedatives, tranquilizers, and hypnotics to treat conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. They can also have side effects such as drowsiness, impaired coordination, and slowed reflexes.

Reinforcement refers to the use of rewards or positive consequences to increase a desired behavior. It involves providing something pleasant or desirable to the individual as a result of their behavior, which in turn strengthens and encourages the behavior to occur more frequently in the future. This can be seen as a form of motivation, as individuals are more likely to repeat behaviors that are followed by positive outcomes.

Stereotype threat refers to a situation where individuals are in danger of confirming negative stereotypes about their social group. It is the feeling that one might be evaluated based on these negative stereotypes rather than on their personal abilities or qualities. This can lead to increased anxiety and reduced performance in tasks that are relevant to the stereotype.

The correct answer is "an irrational fear of something." A phobia is characterized by an intense and irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. This fear is excessive and disproportionate to any actual danger posed by the feared stimulus. Phobias can cause significant distress and interfere with daily life.

An aptitude test is a type of test that measures a person's potential or natural ability in a specific area. It is designed to assess a person's aptitude or suitability for a particular task, skill, or career. This explanation aligns with the given statement that the test measures potential, similar to how an ACT test measures potential for success in college.

Regression toward the mean refers to the statistical phenomenon where extreme or unusual values tend to move closer to the average over time. In therapy, this concept suggests that individuals with extreme behaviors or symptoms will naturally show improvement and move towards a more typical or average level of functioning. This can occur even without any specific intervention or treatment. It is important for therapists to be aware of this phenomenon to avoid attributing improvement solely to their therapeutic techniques, when in fact it may be due to regression toward the mean.

Systematic desensitization is a type of therapy that aims to reduce or eliminate an individual's fear or anxiety by gradually exposing them to the feared object or situation. It involves creating a hierarchy of fear-inducing stimuli and starting with the least anxiety-provoking item, such as a picture of spiders in this case, and gradually progressing to more anxiety-provoking items, like holding a tarantula. By repeatedly exposing the individual to these feared stimuli in a controlled and safe environment, they can learn to manage their fear and anxiety responses, ultimately leading to a reduction in their phobia.

Endorphins are neurotransmitters that are involved in pain regulation. When released, they can produce a feeling of euphoria or a "high" similar to what runners experience. Having too many endorphins can lead to this high feeling, while having too few can result in increased pain sensitivity. Therefore, endorphins are the correct answer to the question.

Night terrors are episodes that occur during NREM 3 sleep, also known as deep sleep. They are characterized by extreme fear, panic, and a fight or flight response in a person. The individual experiencing night terrors will not have any memory of the episode. Night terrors are most commonly seen in children and tend to decrease as they grow older, typically ceasing by age 12.

A psychiatrist is the only type of psychologist that can offer medication as a means to treat someone. While clinical psychologists, educational psychologists, and human factors psychologists can provide therapy and counseling, only psychiatrists have the medical training and authority to prescribe medication for mental health conditions.

The correct answer is "critical window". This refers to a specific time frame in which certain skills or abilities can be easily learned or acquired. In the context of the question, it suggests that the ability to roll the r or pronounce the r sound is best learned during a particular period of development. If this critical window is missed, it may become more difficult or even impossible to acquire the skill later on.

Content validity refers to the extent to which a test measures the specific content or domain it is intended to measure. In this case, the explanation suggests that content validity ensures that a test on psychology asks questions based on psychology, indicating that it measures what it is supposed to. This aligns with the definition of content validity, making it the correct answer.

Self concept refers to our overall perception and understanding of ourselves. It includes our beliefs, thoughts, and feelings about our own identity, abilities, and characteristics. It is the way we define and see ourselves, which influences our behavior, choices, and interactions with others. Self concept is formed through self-reflection, social comparisons, and feedback from others. It plays a crucial role in shaping our self-esteem and self-efficacy, as well as our understanding of others and our place in the world.

The correct answer is "when something works just because we expect it to and it influences our behavior." This explanation refers to the placebo effect, which occurs when a person experiences a perceived improvement in their condition or symptoms after receiving a treatment that has no active ingredients or therapeutic value. This improvement is believed to be a result of the person's belief or expectation that the treatment will work. This belief or expectation can influence their behavior and lead to actual changes in their condition or symptoms.

Clinical Psychology is the branch of psychology that focuses on assessing and treating mental illness and disability without the use of medication. It involves conducting therapy sessions, administering psychological tests, and developing treatment plans to help individuals improve their mental well-being. Clinical psychologists use various therapeutic techniques to address a wide range of psychological disorders and work closely with clients to promote mental health and overall well-being. Unlike psychiatrists, clinical psychologists do not have the authority to prescribe medication, but they play a crucial role in providing psychotherapy and counseling services to individuals in need.

Social Loafing refers to the phenomenon where individuals exert less effort when working in a group compared to when they are working alone. This is because they believe their individual contribution will not be easily noticed or evaluated. The answer choice "The person in the group who everyone has to carry is doing this" accurately describes social loafing, as it highlights the idea that someone in the group is not putting in the same level of effort as the others, causing the rest of the group to compensate for their lack of effort.

Sensory neurons are responsible for carrying sensory information from the body's sensory receptors towards the brain. This information includes sensations such as touch, temperature, pain, and proprioception. Therefore, the correct answer is "toward; sensory" as it accurately describes the direction and function of these neurons.

This answer correctly identifies the example of obsessive compulsive disorder as being fired from a job because of excessive hand washing due to a belief that one's hands are dirty. Obsessive compulsive disorder is characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that are difficult to control. In this case, the obsession is the belief that the hands are dirty, and the compulsion is the excessive hand washing for several hours a day. This behavior can significantly interfere with daily functioning and can lead to negative consequences such as job loss.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by excessive and persistent worry and anxiety about various aspects of life. People with this disorder often have difficulty controlling their worrying and may experience physical symptoms such as restlessness, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. The given explanation suggests that this disorder involves taking anxiety from one situation and applying it to other situations, resulting in the experience of anxiety in many different areas of life.

A primary reinforcer is a stimulus that is naturally rewarding and satisfies a basic biological need or drive, such as food, water, or sex. It does not require any learning or conditioning to be reinforcing. In this case, since the given stimulus is described as being "like food," it suggests that it is a natural reinforcer that satisfies a basic biological need, making it a primary reinforcer.

Theory of mind refers to the understanding that other people have their own thoughts, beliefs, and perspectives that may be different from our own. It involves recognizing that others have their own unique mental states and can have different knowledge, intentions, and desires. This understanding is crucial for social interactions, empathy, and the ability to attribute mental states to others. It helps us to understand and predict the behavior of others and to adjust our own behavior accordingly.

The given explanation suggests that the personality type described in the question, which is characterized by being aggressive, ambitious, competitive, and controlling, is Type A. Type A personalities are known for their high levels of competitiveness, ambition, and a strong desire to be in control. These traits often serve as motivators for individuals with Type A personalities.

Mnemonic devices are memory aids that help individuals remember information more easily. One example is the mnemonic device "ROY G BIV" which is used to remember the colors of the rainbow (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet). Mnemonic devices can be in the form of acronyms, rhymes, or visual images that make it easier for the brain to encode and retrieve information. They are effective because they create associations and connections in the brain, making it easier to recall information when needed.

A cognitive psychologist focuses on studying how people think, remember, speak, and interpret events. They are interested in understanding mental processes such as perception, attention, memory, language, problem-solving, and decision-making. This perspective emphasizes the role of internal mental processes in shaping behavior and seeks to understand how people acquire, process, and use information. Cognitive psychologists use various research methods, including experiments and observations, to study these processes and develop theories about how the mind works.

Humanistic psychology focuses on the individual's inherent drive for personal growth and self-actualization. It emphasizes the importance of subjective experiences, free will, and the conscious mind in shaping behavior. This perspective suggests that people are motivated to fulfill their potential and strive towards becoming the best version of themselves. It emphasizes the positive aspects of human nature and the belief that individuals have the capacity to make choices and take responsibility for their actions.

The biopsychosocial approach takes into account various factors that influence a person's well-being. This includes considering a person's genetics, as it can impact their physical and mental health. Mood and personality are also important factors to consider, as they can affect how an individual responds to different situations. Additionally, culture plays a significant role in shaping a person's beliefs, values, and behaviors, which can impact their overall health. By considering these aspects, the biopsychosocial approach provides a holistic understanding of an individual's health and well-being.

Cognitive therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on changing a person's thought patterns and beliefs. It aims to challenge negative or irrational thoughts and replace them with more positive and realistic ones. In the given scenario, cognitive therapy would help the person recognize that their boss's criticism does not define their worth as a person and challenge the belief that they are a bad person. This therapy aims to change the way a person perceives events and helps them develop healthier thinking patterns.

Maturation refers to the process of physical growth that occurs naturally and independently of learning. It is a biological process that leads to changes in the body, such as an increase in height. Unlike learning, which involves acquiring new knowledge or skills through experience or education, maturation is a result of genetic and physiological factors. Therefore, the correct answer for this question is maturation.

Encoding refers to the process of converting sensory information into a form that can be stored and retrieved by the brain. It involves transforming information from sensory memory to short-term memory, and then transferring it to long-term memory for storage. This process allows memories to be retained and accessed later when needed.

A cross-sectional study is the most appropriate explanation for the given scenario. This type of study involves taking different individuals from different age groups and studying them at a specific point in time. In this case, the researcher is studying intelligence at different ages by selecting individuals from different age groups. The purpose of a cross-sectional study is to compare different groups at a single point in time to gather information about a particular variable or characteristic. This study design allows for the examination of age-related differences in intelligence without having to follow individuals over an extended period of time.

The correct answer is Temporal. The temporal lobe is responsible for processing auditory information, including the sense of hearing. It is located on the sides of the brain, above the ears. The temporal lobe also plays a role in language comprehension and memory formation.

Operational definitions refer to the specific procedures and steps that are followed in an experiment. These definitions outline the exact methods and measurements used to define and measure variables in a scientific study. They provide clarity and precision, ensuring that the experiment can be replicated and understood by other researchers. Operational definitions are essential in establishing the validity and reliability of research findings.

Free association is a Freudian technique used in psychoanalysis to explore the unconscious mind. It involves the patient spontaneously expressing their thoughts, feelings, and memories without censorship or judgment. By allowing the mind to freely associate, hidden thoughts and emotions can be revealed, providing insight into the individual's personality and underlying issues. This technique can also be used as a therapeutic tool to help the patient gain self-awareness and resolve psychological conflicts.

When the corpus callosum is split, it means that the bundle of nerve fibers connecting the two hemispheres of the brain has been severed. This procedure is usually done to treat severe cases of epilepsy or seizures. The purpose of splitting the corpus callosum is to prevent the spread of abnormal electrical activity from one hemisphere to the other. As a result of this procedure, the two hemispheres are no longer able to communicate effectively with each other. This can lead to a condition known as "split brain," where each hemisphere functions somewhat independently.

Attribution Theory is the correct answer because it refers to the process of assigning characteristics or qualities to individuals based on their perceived internal or external qualities. It involves making judgments about the causes of people's behavior, whether it is due to their personal disposition or the situation they are in. This theory helps explain how individuals interpret and understand the actions of others, and it plays a significant role in social psychology.

Transduction refers to the process by which energy from one form is converted into another form. In the context of the question, it is referring to the conversion of sound waves into auditory signals that we hear, and the conversion of light waves into visual signals that we see. This process is essential for our perception of the world around us.

Fixed Ratio is the correct answer because it refers to a reinforcement schedule where a reward is given after a fixed number of responses or behaviors. In this case, the person is rewarded with $5 every time they sell a snowglobe, which is a specific and fixed number of responses (selling a snowglobe). This type of reinforcement schedule is effective in maintaining a high rate of responding and is commonly used in sales commission structures or piece-rate pay systems.

A phoneme is the most basic unit of sound in language. It refers to the individual sounds that make up words and can change the meaning of a word when substituted. Phonemes are distinct from letters, as one letter can represent multiple phonemes and one phoneme can be represented by multiple letters. Understanding phonemes is essential for language acquisition and pronunciation.

Savant Syndrome is a disorder where a person with an intellectual disability possesses exceptional skills or abilities in a specific area, such as music, art, or mathematics. This is exemplified by individuals with Autism spectrum disorder who display remarkable talent in playing the piano or other musical instruments.

Carl Rogers believed that all you needed was unconditional positive regard or genuine acceptance. Unconditional positive regard refers to the acceptance and support of a person regardless of their behavior or feelings. According to Rogers, this type of acceptance creates an environment where individuals can freely explore and express themselves, leading to personal growth and self-actualization. It involves showing empathy, understanding, and non-judgment towards others, allowing them to feel valued and accepted for who they are.

Self efficacy refers to an individual's belief in their own ability to successfully accomplish a specific task or goal. It is the confidence one has in their own competence and skills. In the given context, self efficacy is relevant as it relates to a person's belief in their ability to succeed in a course. This belief can greatly influence their motivation, effort, and persistence in achieving their academic goals. Self efficacy is an important concept in psychology, as it plays a significant role in shaping behavior and performance.

Fluid intelligence refers to the ability to think flexibly, solve problems, and adapt to new situations. It is considered to be related to reasoning, processing speed, and the ability to use information that is not previously learned or memorized. The statement suggests that women generally use fluid intelligence better than men, implying that they may have an advantage in tasks that require quick thinking and problem-solving abilities.

A confounding variable is a variable that has an impact on the results of an experiment but was not considered or controlled for during the study. It can introduce bias and lead to inaccurate conclusions. Confounding variables can arise due to various reasons such as random chance, selection bias, or uncontrolled variables. It is important to identify and account for confounding variables to ensure the validity and reliability of the study's findings.

Illusory correlation refers to the perception of a relationship between variables that does not actually exist. It occurs when people believe that there is a correlation between two events or variables, even though there is no statistical evidence to support this belief. This can happen due to cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias, where people tend to focus on information that confirms their preconceived notions. Illusory correlation can lead to misconceptions and false beliefs about cause and effect relationships.

Reuptake refers to the process where the neuron reabsorbs any excess neurotransmitter molecules from the synapse after they have completed their function of transmitting signals. This recycling mechanism helps in regulating the concentration of neurotransmitters in the synapse and allows for efficient communication between neurons.

Agonists are substances that mimic the action of neurotransmitters, meaning they can bind to the same receptors as the neurotransmitters and activate them. By doing so, agonists intensify the effects of neurotransmitters, enhancing their activity in the brain.

Deindividuation is the correct answer because it refers to the tendency for individuals to lose their individual identity and personal responsibility when they are in a group. This can lead to a decrease in self-awareness and an increase in impulsive and irrational behavior. The example given of "going bananas" at a basketball game demonstrates how individuals may engage in actions that they wouldn't normally do due to the influence of the group and the anonymity provided by being part of a larger crowd.

Teratogens are substances or agents that can cause abnormalities or birth defects in a developing fetus. They include things like alcohol and other chemicals that can pass through the placenta and harm the unborn child. These substances can disrupt the normal development of the baby and lead to physical, cognitive, or behavioral issues later in life. It is important for pregnant women to avoid exposure to teratogens to ensure the healthy development of their baby.

Correlation measures the relationship between two variables, indicating how closely they are related to each other. It helps in predicting the behavior of one variable based on the behavior of the other variable. By analyzing the correlation, we can make predictions about the future values of one variable based on the known values of the other variable.

A case study is a research method that involves examining all of the variables of a situation in great detail. It focuses on studying a specific individual, group, or event and aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the subject matter. By analyzing various factors and variables, researchers can gain comprehensive insights into the complexities and nuances of the situation being studied. This method allows for a detailed exploration of multiple aspects, such as psychological, social, environmental, and cultural factors, that may influence behavior or outcomes.

Type B personality types are known for being more relaxed and laid-back compared to Type A personalities. They are typically less competitive and achievement-oriented, which helps them avoid the stress levels associated with Type A personalities. Therefore, Type B personalities would be motivated by enjoying competition and achievement without the added stress.

Edward Thorndike's major contribution to psychology is known as the Law of Effect. This principle suggests that behaviors that are rewarded or reinforced are more likely to be repeated, while behaviors that are punished or not reinforced are less likely to be repeated. This concept laid the foundation for the work of BF Skinner and his research on operant conditioning.

A rhythm that occurs once a day, such as waking up, is known as a circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythms are biological rhythms that follow a 24-hour cycle and are influenced by external cues, such as light and darkness. These rhythms regulate various physiological processes, including sleep-wake cycles, hormone production, and body temperature.

The explanation for the given correct answer is that intelligence is a relative idea and it covers many areas. This means that if someone is good at writing, they are likely to be good at spelling as well. This suggests that intelligence is not limited to a specific skill or domain, but rather encompasses a range of abilities and competencies.

Manifest content refers to the literal and surface-level events and objects that occur in a dream. It is the storyline and imagery that the dreamer experiences while dreaming. In this case, the manifest content is the dreamer dancing with a lobster.

The given statement, "Most people take AP Psychology for the chance at college credit," is an example of an inferential statistic. This is because it is based on the percentages provided in the question and makes an inference about the majority of people's motivations for taking the course. Inferential statistics involve using data from a sample to make conclusions or predictions about a larger population. In this case, the statement is inferring the motivations of the majority of people who take AP Psychology based on the given percentages.

The limbic system is the correct answer because it is a part of the brain that is responsible for basic emotions and drives. It is made up of several parts, including the amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus, which play crucial roles in regulating emotions, memory, and motivation. The limbic system also interacts with other parts of the brain to influence behavior and physiological responses.

Dendrites are the branch-like structures that extend from the cell body of a neuron. Their main function is to receive messages or signals from other neurons or sensory receptors. These messages are in the form of chemical signals called neurotransmitters. Once the dendrites receive the message, they transmit it to the cell body for further processing and integration. Therefore, the correct answer is "Receive a message."

The correct answer is Ego. According to Freud, the ego is the part of the psyche that balances our darkest desires and our super moral side that doesn't want us to have anything. It acts as a mediator between the id (our unconscious desires) and the superego (our moral conscience), helping to find a compromise between our instinctual urges and societal norms.

Psychosis refers to a break from reality or a mental breakdown. It is often associated with conditions like schizophrenia. This can involve symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations.

Habituation is the process of becoming accustomed to a stimulus and not responding to it in the same way over time. In the given example, the 15-year-old niece is no longer excited about peek-a-boo because she has become habituated to it, while the 1-year-old son is still excited because he has not yet habituated to it.

Psychosurgery is the correct answer because it involves the surgical removal or destruction of specific brain areas to alleviate abnormal behavior. This type of therapy is rarely used due to its invasive nature and potential risks. It is typically considered as a last resort when all other treatments have failed and the individual's condition is severe and debilitating.

The Two Factor Theory of emotion suggests that emotions are a result of both physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation. According to this theory, we first experience a physiological response to a stimulus, such as increased heart rate or sweating. Then, we cognitively label this physiological arousal as a specific emotion based on our interpretation of the situation. For example, if we see a spider and our heart starts racing, we may interpret this physiological response as fear. This theory emphasizes the role of both physiological and cognitive processes in the experience of emotions.

A projective test is a psychological assessment tool that involves presenting ambiguous stimuli such as pictures or words to a client and asking them to respond with their thoughts, feelings, or interpretations. The purpose of this test is to access the client's unconscious mind and gain insight into their underlying thoughts, emotions, and motivations. By analyzing their responses, psychologists can gain a deeper understanding of the client's personality, conflicts, and psychological functioning. This type of test is based on the belief that individuals may project their own unconscious desires, fears, or conflicts onto the ambiguous stimuli, providing valuable information for assessment and therapy.

The idea that the earth is fair and people get what they deserve is known as the just world phenomenon. This concept suggests that individuals have a tendency to believe that good actions are rewarded and bad actions are punished, creating a sense of justice in the world. It can lead to victim-blaming and the belief that those who experience negative outcomes must have done something to deserve it. This phenomenon has been studied in psychology to understand how people make sense of the world and justify inequalities.

Behaviorism or behavioral psychology is the study of how we learn certain behaviors. This field of psychology focuses on the observable behaviors and the environmental factors that shape and influence them. It emphasizes the role of conditioning and reinforcement in learning and understanding human behavior. By studying how individuals acquire specific behaviors, behaviorism aims to explain and predict human actions based on observable stimuli and responses.

Token Economy is a therapy style that involves rewarding individuals for exhibiting normal behaviors and then allowing them to redeem these rewards for privileges. This approach aims to reinforce positive behaviors and promote desired outcomes through a system of tokens or rewards. By using this method, individuals are motivated to engage in more adaptive behaviors and can learn new skills and behaviors through positive reinforcement. This approach is commonly used in settings such as schools, hospitals, and prisons to promote positive behavior change.

Latent learning refers to a type of learning that occurs without any reinforcement or reward. It happens when an individual acquires knowledge or skills without any immediate intention to use or demonstrate them. This type of learning is not evident immediately but becomes apparent when there is a need or motivation to use the learned information or skills. It suggests that learning can occur even without reinforcement or conditioning, and the knowledge acquired remains hidden until it is needed.

A prototype refers to the image that comes to mind when thinking about a specific group or category. For example, when someone mentions the word "dog," the specific dog that comes to mind represents the prototype of a dog. This concept helps us understand and categorize different objects or ideas based on their resemblance to the prototype.

Implicit memories are memories that are not consciously accessible, but still influence our behavior and actions. They are often skill-based memories, such as riding a bike or playing an instrument, and are carried through amnesia, a condition where explicit memories are lost. These memories are produced in the cerebellum, a brain region responsible for motor coordination and procedural learning. Unlike explicit memories, which are fact-based and rely on the hippocampus, implicit memories are formed and retrieved without conscious awareness.

Rods are photoreceptor cells in the retina of the eye that are responsible for processing black and white images, working best in low light conditions (night vision), and aiding in peripheral vision. Cones, on the other hand, are responsible for color vision and work best in bright light. The lens and cornea are part of the eye's structure and help to focus light onto the retina.

The explanation for the correct answer, Drive Reduction Theory, is that it proposes that motivation arises from the need to reduce physiological imbalances or drives. When we experience a physiological need, such as hunger, it creates a state of tension or imbalance. To restore balance, we are motivated to engage in behaviors that will satisfy the need, such as eating. This theory suggests that our actions are driven by the desire to reduce these internal imbalances and maintain homeostasis.

Insight therapy aims to have the client figure out their issues. This type of therapy focuses on helping individuals gain self-awareness and understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The therapist guides the client through discussions and exploration to uncover underlying causes of their issues and gain insight into their own experiences. The goal is to empower the client to discover their own solutions and make positive changes in their lives.

The given answer, "Sensation," is correct because sensation refers to the process of receiving information from our environment through our senses. It involves the detection and conversion of physical stimuli into neural signals that can be interpreted by the brain. Sensation is the initial step in the process of perceiving and understanding the world around us. It is through sensation that we are able to perceive and make sense of our surroundings, including the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touch that we experience.