Final answer:
Bottom-up processing is the focus on physical attributes of a stimulus where sensations are the initial guides for perception, before the application of top-down influences like previous experiences. Examples of top-down processing, signal detection theory, and inattentional blindness illustrate how our recognition and attention affect perception, while sensory adaptation shows the differentiation between sensation and perception.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phenomenon you are referring to when we focus on the physical attributes of a stimulus is known as bottom-up processing. This type of processing occurs when sensory reception and response to stimuli are the primary sources for the perception before the brain applies meaning or recognition based on prior knowledge. An example of this is when we first notice the bright colors of fireworks before recognizing the event as Independence Day celebrations.
Contrastingly, top-down processing involves the use of previous experience and expectations to recognize and interpret stimuli. For instance, if you've grown accustomed to your friend's handwriting, you may quickly interpret their scribbled note based on your understanding of their writing style, your expectations, and the context in which you found the note. Another related concept is signal detection theory, which explains how we distinguish a true sensory signal from background noise, often influenced by factors such as motivation or expectations, as demonstrated by air traffic controllers distinguishing plane blips on a radar screen amidst numerous other signals. Likewise, the phenomenon of inattentional blindness exemplifies how focused attention on one aspect can render us oblivious to other visible elements in our environment, such as not noticing a person in a gorilla costume in a group of individuals passing basketballs. Finally, sensory adaptation describes the reduced sensitivity to a stimulus that remains constant over time, like not noticing the continuous flashing of a light after an initial period of distraction. This illustrates that sensation and perception, while closely connected, are distinct processes, with perception also heavily influenced by attention.