Supersummary of Sensation and Perception

The book Sensation and Perception is written by Steven Yantis and Richard A. Abrams. Steve Yantis was a cognitive psychologist and professor of psychology, brain sciences, cognitive science and neuroscience. He was associated with the Johns Hopkins University. Yantis wrote the first edition of this book. He passed away in 2014. This second edition was edited and complemented by Abrahams. Richard A. Abrams is a professor of psychological and brain sciences at the Washington University. 

The aim of the authors is to tell the story of of perception in a way that brings out the purposes that perception serves, showing how perceptual systems have been shaped by evolutionary pressures to help organisms survive and reproduce. This updated edition incorporates the latest research findings, and the authors have conscientiously crafted the content to be accessible to students with diverse levels of expertise and backgrounds, making it suitable for readers at all educational levels.

The content is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying sensory processes and perception, exploring both the physiological and psychological aspects of how we perceive and interpret the world around us. The book covers the senses in a logical order, giving a comprehensive and multifaceted view of how a given domain of perception works. It starts with vision (chapters 2-9), then audition (chapters 10-12), then the body senses (chapter 13), then the sense of smell (chapter 14), and then taste (chapter 15). This structured approach provides a nuanced and holistic perspective on the workings of each perceptual domain. The chapters integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications, ensuring that students gain a well-rounded understanding of the intricate field of sensation and perception.