US High School Psychology Practice Exam

Which processing involves interpretation based on prior knowledge and experiences?

1. Bottom-up processing

2. Top-down processing

3. Adaptation processing

4. Threshold processing

The correct answer is: Top-down processing

The correct answer is top-down processing, which involves interpreting sensory information by using pre-existing knowledge, experiences, and expectations. This cognitive process allows individuals to make sense of what they are perceiving by applying their understanding of the world. For instance, when reading a text, one does not just focus on the individual letters and words; instead, they rely on their prior knowledge of language and context to understand the overall meaning. In contrast, bottom-up processing refers to the analysis that begins with sensory input, where perception starts with the actual physical stimuli or data and builds up to the interpretation. This method is data-driven and does not rely on prior knowledge; instead, it emphasizes the analysis of the raw sensory information. Adaptation processing and threshold processing are terms that refer to different phenomena. Adaptation generally involves how sensory receptors adjust to a constant stimulus, thus diminishing sensitivity over time. Threshold processing relates to the minimum level of stimulus intensity needed for detection. Neither of these terms focuses specifically on the role of prior knowledge and experiences in interpretation, which is the hallmark of top-down processing.