Final answer:
Perception is the way sensory information is organized, interpreted, and consciously experienced. It is influenced by the characteristics of the stimulus and the perceiver. Factors such as perceptual hypotheses and attention also play a role in shaping our perception.
Step-by-step explanation:
Perception is the way sensory information is organized, interpreted, and consciously experienced by an individual. It is influenced by both the characteristics of the stimulus (person, situation, or thing perceived) and the characteristics of the perceiver.
Perceptual hypotheses, which are informed by factors such as personality, experiences, and expectations, play a role in shaping our perception. Attention also plays a significant role in determining what is sensed versus what is perceived.
Overall, perception is a complex process influenced by various factors that can differ from person to person.