Module 3: Sensation and Perception
In this module, you learned that your senses detect information from the external world, and that your perception organizes this information to help create a representation of the outside world. Every waking moment of every day, your body and mind combine to make sense of the barrage of incoming sensory information you constantly receive.
A theme park is the ultimate concentration of sensory experiences—flashing lights, rushing roller coasters, smells and tastes of snacks and treats, and sounds of laughter and screaming as people hop on to rides that thrill the senses. For this authentic assessment, you will create your own ideal theme park that takes full advantage of the principles of sensation and perception.
First, you need to design an overview map of your theme park. Make sure to include the following:
- Theme park name;
- A clear layout of the park including rides, games, food/concession area, and other original ideas; and
- Number 1-6 that clearly note specific areas on your map that you will explain in further detail.
Option to create your theme park overview map include the following:
- Create your map by hand and then take pictures of it for submission to the assignment's dropbox.
- Create your map by hand and then scan it for submission to the assignment's dropbox.
- Create a file in a paint or graphics program and then submit your work to the assignment's dropbox.
For each of the specific areas numbered 1-6, clearly explain on a separate page how the specific numbered parts of your park takes full advantage of each of the following concepts from the module. Make sure to clearly define the term and explain specifically how the component of your park uses the following to create a vivid experience for the park’s patrons:
- Vestibular sense
- A gestalt principle
- A specific perceptual illusion
- Decibels
- Hue and amplitude of light
- Gustation (taste)
Remember, for this authentic assessment, money is no object. The only limit to your theme park design is your imagination. Before you begin, access the Theme Park Rubric to make sure that you include all of the items required for full credit. You may need to use resources outside of this course to complete this assignment. If so, please submit a Works Cited document. If you need assistance, visit the Developmental Module for information on citing any resources that you used.
Reflection
Take a moment to reflect on the following questions, then respond to them in a brief four-to-five sentence paragraph.
- How did your increased understanding of the principles of sensation and perception help influence your design of the theme park?
- What are some limits of what your senses can perceive and how can your senses be tricked?
- How do you use bottom-up processing and top-down processing in your life?
Once you have completed your theme park design, explanation of each numbered part, and reflection, please submit your work to the dropbox.
Once you have completed this module, please complete the module test.