Sensation and Perception Lab

By Selma Hamdami, Dawson College

At a Glance

Discipline

  • Psychology

Instructional Level

  • College & CEGEP

Course

  • Introduction to Psychology

Tasks in Workflow

Social Plane(s)

  • Group

Type of Tasks

  • Experimenting & conducting inquiry

Technical Details

Useful Technologies

  • Miro
  • Active Learning Classroom (1 SMARTboard per team)

Class size

  • Small (20-49)

Time

  • Multiple class periods (2-3 classes)

Inclusivity & Accessibility

  • Variety of representations

Instructional Purpose

  • Application & knowledge building

Overview

The aim of this ALA is to deepen the student’s understanding of the concepts of sensation and perception. The lab provides immersive first hand experience for the students since they collect pertinent data from one another. This personal connection intensifies the learning experience and consolidates knowledge by adding a unique and affective dimension to the ALA.

Instructional Objectives

Students will be able to:

  • Differentiate between the concepts of sensing and perceiving
  • Apply research principles
  • Collect and interpret data
  • Reflect on psychological concept of perception and how humans interact with the cues and world around them

Workflow & Materials

Workflow

Activity Workflow

View on CourseFlow
Presentation

Instructions to Students

Selma Hamdami

Document

Data Collection Sheets

Selma Hamdami

Contributor's Notes

Benefits
Challenges
Tips
Benefits
  • The hands-on experience of data collection and personal nature of the data adds an affective element to the ALA.
  • The students are experiencing the boundaries of sensory perception and gain insight into the complexities inherent in the process of perception.
  • Students understanding that sensory input does not always directly translate into perceptual experiences.
  • The students also learn about the scientific method and the research processes that are used in the field of Psychology.
  • Students engage their capacities for creative and critical thinking throughout this learning process.
Challenges

Challenge: Offering guidance and insuring good progression of tasks.
Solution: The instructor must circulate around the class to ensure the good functioning of the experiments and ensure that the students are on track.

Challenge: large amount of content covered
Solution: Provide a detailed guide outlining the required materials and procedures well in advance, allowing students and instructors to prepare adequately.

Challenge: The hearing lab was particularly challenging in a loud classroom environment.
Solution: inform the students of this potential challenge and build it into the reflection portion of this lab.

Tips
  • Source and prepare the materials ahead of time.
  • Quickly start the experiments at the beginning of class so that all students have enough time to complete the ALA.
  • Prepare extra material (e.g. magic berries) for students who will want to experience senses other than one they were assigned.

Applied Strategies

Inquiry-Based Learning

Research, Problem solving and Lab-based methods

Gallery Walk

Artifact creation, peer review and refinement

Related Activities

Humanities

5 Senses Lab