The difference between sensation and perception is that sensation, or the stimulation of our senses, is an automated process resulting from sources of energy (light and sound) or the presence of chemicals (as in taste and smell), while perception is an active process in which sensations are organized and interpreted to form an inner representation of the world.

Sensation and Perception

Processes by which we receive, transform, and interpret stimuli from the environment to form a coherent understanding of the world.

Automated Process

A type of cognitive processing that occurs automatically, without conscious thought, often as a result of learning and repetition.

Inner Representation

The mental symbols or images used to represent objects, events, and relationships in the mind, influencing how information is processed and interpreted.