| Feature | Perceptual Defence | Perceptual Sensitization |
|---|---|---|
| Effect | Delayed recognition of stimuli | Accelerated recognition of stimuli |
| Stimulus Type | Negative, taboo, or threatening | Positive, relevant, or rewarding |
| Mechanism | Cognitive 'blocking' to reduce anxiety | Increased attention to vital information |
| Example | Taking longer to read a 'taboo' word | Quickly spotting a favorite food when hungry |
Use the Term 'Perceptual Set': When answering questions about emotion, always link it back to the concept of a perceptual set to show a deeper understanding of psychological frameworks.
Analyze the Measure: If a question mentions GSR, explain that it provides an objective biological measure that is difficult for participants to fake, increasing the validity of the findings.
Contextualize Research: Be prepared to discuss how social changes affect perception. Stimuli considered 'taboo' in the mid-20th century may not trigger the same emotional response today, which is a common point for evaluating the temporal validity of studies.
Embarrassment vs. Perception: A common mistake is assuming that a delay in reporting a word is always a delay in perceiving it. In some cases, participants may perceive a word quickly but hesitate to say it aloud due to social awkwardness.
Universal vs. Subjective: While general trends exist (like perceptual defence), emotional effects are highly subjective. What one person finds threatening, another may find neutral, leading to different perceptual outcomes.
Ignoring Positive Effects: Students often focus only on 'blocking' negative stimuli. Remember that positive emotions can also broaden the perceptual field and speed up recognition.