In cognitive psychology, what is considered the first stage of perception?

• A. Pattern recognition
• B. Sensory stimulation
• C. Memory retrieval
• D. Attention allocation

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that perception is a multi-stage process in cognitive psychology, involving how we interpret sensory information.
2. Identify that the first stage of perception involves the initial contact with stimuli from the environment, which is known as sensory stimulation.
3. Recognize that sensory stimulation refers to the process where sensory organs detect physical stimuli such as light, sound, or touch.
4. Note that after sensory stimulation, the information is processed further through stages like attention allocation, pattern recognition, and memory retrieval.
5. Conclude that sensory stimulation is the foundational step because without it, no perceptual processing can begin.