In top-down processing, which of the following best describes how perception is influenced?

• A. Perception is guided by prior knowledge, expectations, and experiences.
• B. Perception is unaffected by context or previous experiences.
• C. Perception is determined solely by sensory input without influence from prior knowledge.
• D. Perception occurs only after all sensory information has been fully processed.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of top-down processing in psychology, which refers to how our brain uses prior knowledge, expectations, and experiences to interpret sensory information.
2. Step 2: Recognize that top-down processing contrasts with bottom-up processing, where perception starts purely from sensory input without influence from prior knowledge.
3. Step 3: Analyze the options given by considering whether perception is influenced by context, prior knowledge, or solely by sensory input.
4. Step 4: Identify that top-down processing means perception is guided by what we already know and expect, shaping how we interpret incoming sensory data.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description of top-down processing is that perception is influenced by prior knowledge, expectations, and experiences.