Sensation, Perception, and the Aging Process
In this excellent series of lectures Dr. Colavita examines the relationship between the physical environment, human perception, and behavior. The physical environment affects our senses, our senses affect our perception of the world, and that perception affects our behavior.
Because they are all related in this manner, as we grow older our senses change, which in turn changes our perceptions and that changes our behavior. This occurs throughout our lives and not just as we become elderly. For example, we all have more taste buds as a child than as an adult. As a result we are more sensitive to spicy foods or unusual flavors as a young child. As our taste buds become fewer our sensitivity levels change and our eating patterns may change as we seek out a wider variety of unusual or strongly flavored foods. The lectures are filled with very interesting examples like this that clearly illustrate how our senses change, why they change and how that affects us.
In addition to the five senses we normally think of he also covers other ways we gather information to aid our perceptions of the world. For example, there is body orientation so that we can keep our balance and motor memory that allows us to practice a movement to the point that it becomes second nature and we are able to do it without thinking about it.
With special lectures on age-related changes for each sense presented, well chosen illustrations, and an excellent lecture style Professor Colavita delivers a course that informs, entertains, and even prepares us for the changes that lie ahead. Sensation, Perception and the Aging Process is highly recommended.
Lecturer: Dr. Francis B. Colavita
Publisher: The Teaching Company
4151 Lafayette Center Drive, Suite 100
Chantilly, VA 20151-1232
Copyright: 2006
Format: CD, DVD, Audio Tape
Lectures: 24