perception and sensation

Perception and SensationSmell!

• Our sense of smell is less impressive than our ability to see

and hear!

How do we smell?

• Molecules from the air reach receptors in your nose • Sniffing enhances aromas

• Receptors send messages to Smell Cortex in the Temporal Lobe (located in brain)• Limbic System as well (memory/emotion)

How well can you recognize odors?!

Smell and Emotions

• Difficult to recall odors by name, but amazing ability to recall long forgotten odors and their associated memory!• Pleasant odors = pleasant emotions• Certain odors can cause us to remember negative

experiences – become frustrated.

Smell and Emotions

Can we tell if someone is male or female based on odor alone?

Smell and Emotion

• Gender Related Odors• Able to discriminate between male and female smells

with over 80 percent accuracy!• Females tend to be more accurate smellers than

males

Review!

• How do we smell?

• How do odors affect our emotions?

Perception and sensationTaste!

How do we taste?

• Receptor cells on our tongue project taste into the pores in our taste buds.• Receptors respond to 1

of 5 taste sensations : sweet, sour, salty, bitter, umami (meaty flavor)

How well can you taste?!

Taste Cont.

• Sensory Interaction : principle that one sense may influence another• Smell + texture +

taste = flavor

What else can influence taste?

Cultural Influences on taste

• Our exposure to certain foods at a younger age can influence our taste buds

Taste Preferences

“Try it, you’ll like it!”

Food Tried the food Liked the food

Pigs Feet 34% 16%

Octopus/Squid 26% 11%

Sushi 19% 7%

Steak tartare 18% 10%

Snake 8% 3%