Is perception a person’s reality or does it sometimes lead to misconceptions? Many think that perception is a reality. However, a hallucination is a perception but not a reality. And, perception is a filtered version of a reality. Occasionally we take what we understand for the way it really is. Therefore, our thoughts and feelings appear to be real. Thus, concluding that something must be true. But, is that something forming a misconception?
Perception and Misconception
Perception is the way we look at things using our senses. It is how we view reality. Misconceptions form from perceiving what appears to be real.
Children develop many misconceptions as they grow. The source of these range from TV commercials, movies, books, teachers, and parents. The perceptions range from Santa coming down the chimney to the Easter Bunny delivering candy and eggs. What actually is stored in the long-term memory as fact is derived from a perception of something.
There are many misconceptions and perceptions that are quite common. For example: Bats are blind. This comes from the fact that bats hunt at night and use a form of sonar to hunt. They may have poor eyesight but they are not blind.
What is a misconception? It is a misunderstanding of something perceived inaccurately. Misconceptions and perceptions are not unusual. They are a part of the learning process.
Before misconceptions are corrected, they need to be identified. Some become deeply entrenched and impede learning. A student is unaware that the perception of the fact is wrong. Therefore, a fact becomes gets misinterpreted from a belief.
Misconception occur in all aspects of a person’s life. We all form perceptions that turn into misconceptions through advertising and research. Certain data can skew our perception of what is real. It is interpreted through various meanings. Perception may lead to a misconception, but once a student gains understanding through quality education, he/she gains real knowledge.
