1
Essay 2: That’s Your Perception– Avishka Fernando
Avishka P. Fernando
School of Business, Liberty University
PSYC 101-C05: General Psychology
Professor Amy Conner
February 28th, 2022
Factors That Create Differences in Perception
To begin with, the commonly known definition of perception is the ability to see, hear, or
become aware of something through the senses. Our textbook, however, provides a more
detailed definition which says, “Perceptions refer to the psychological processes whereby
meaning, past experience or memory, and judgments are used to evaluate the significance of
particular stimuli” (George, 2021). Therefore, according to the definition, an individual’s past
experiences are a factor in creating differences in his/her perception. Furthermore, other factors
that play a role in the differences in perception is the process in which sensation is converted
into perception, which is stimulation, reception, transduction, and transmission.
Do Differences in Perception Indicate Differences in Reality?
2
Moving on, one of the common misconceptions is that perception equals reality. An
article about perception and reality says, “Perception is not reality, but, admittedly, perception
can become a person’s reality (there is a difference) because perception has a potent influence
on how we look at reality” (Taylor, 2019). My understanding from this is that reality is something
which remains constant, however, our own reality is something that is variable and can be
changed through the process of perception.
Moreover, to answer the question, differences in perception may not change reality in
general, however, it does change our reality and how we view certain things. In a sense, it can
be said that our perception is the lens in which we view our reality through, therefore, someone
who has a Biblical worldview would have a different reality compared to someone who may
have a different worldview.
Does Perception Reflect Reality?
I believe the aforementioned discussed the question about whether perception was
reality, however, we can dive into it further with reference to scripture. The Bible says, “The
natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is
not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Cor 2:14, ESV). This
verse shows us an example of how our realities can be different from someone else due to
perception; someone who is consistent in their faith and often dives into the word of God is able
to see things in reality that others may not, as they are spiritually enabled to. Lastly, the article
about perception and reality also says, “if the perception deviates too far from reality when it
shifts from mild illusion to delusion, it can be a liability” (Taylor, 2019). Thus, it is important to
ensure that our perceptions to not lead to false beliefs, as this can lead to unexpected
disappointment and as a result, stress.
3
References
al, G. E. (2021). Introduction to Psychology from a Christian Worldview. Kendall Hunt
Publishing. https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/books/9781792472152
Taylor, J. (2019, August 5). Perception is not reality. Psychology Today. Retrieved February 28,
2022, from
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-power-prime/201908/perception-is-
notreality
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by
Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
4
