Final answer:
Perception and cognition are combined in the model because they work together to interpret stimuli, influenced by our experiences and surroundings, to create a coherent understanding of our world. This integration helps maintain a balanced internal state in response to external changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The perception and cognition portions of the model are combined because our brains do not simply function as passive recipients of sensory information but instead work continuously to interpret and understand the stimuli around us. Cognition encompasses the processes associated with perception, knowledge, problem-solving, judgment, language, and memory. Together, they are responsible for how we interpret our environment, informed by past experiences, cultural background, and our attentional focus.
Furthermore, our sensations do not occur in isolation but are integrated with higher cognitive functions such as memories, learning, and emotions to create a seamless percept within our consciousness. This integration allows us to see not just a fragmented world of sensory experiences but one that is combined into a coherent whole that is meaningful and navigable. In essence, the combination of perception and cognition results in an ongoing, dynamic process that allows us to experience and react to the world in a homeostatic manner, maintaining a balanced internal state despite the changing external environment.