Question

To the best of your ability based on what you've learned int his course, and without looking anything up online or in our textbook, in 150+ words, explain the following theme: "4. Our perceptions filter experience of the world through an imperfect personal lens."

Answer 1

Perceptions are sensory experiences that involve recognition of sensory stimulus and a response towards the same. This perception is based on the information picked up by our senses. This is why perception is essential to gain knowledge and experience about our world. Perception is also influenced by past experiences and knowledge and thus this becomes subjective as different people may perceive different stimulus in different ways.

At times we may perceive things that aren't present in reality or may distort things that are actually present. I completely agree with this statement. Cognitive distortions involve unusual perception which may include irrational thoughts and beliefs with regard to reality. These perceptions are usually negative. These distortions are generally automatic and even we may not realize it as they are habitual.

Thus we see that our perceptions filter the experience of the world for us because it is highly subjective, through an imperfect personal lens because this is subjected to error like the cognitive distortions.

Hope this answer helps!