AP Psychology Practice Test

How is perceptual set influenced?

1. By physical changes in the environment

2. Through mental predisposition

3. By altering the sensory organs

4. By changing the light source

The correct answer is: Through mental predisposition

Perceptual set refers to the predisposition to perceive things in a certain way based on prior experience, expectations, and context. It is shaped significantly by mental predispositions, meaning that individuals will interpret sensory information based on their beliefs, needs, and experiences. For example, if someone is expecting to see a specific object or scenario, they are more likely to perceive it even if it is not distinctly present. This mental framework acts as a filter through which information is interpreted, highlighting the importance of context in perception. While other choices touch on aspects of perception, they do not directly account for the cognitive influences that shape how we interpret our sensory experiences. Physical changes in the environment can affect perception but do not inherently influence the mental set. Alterations in sensory organs could impact the capability to perceive but would not necessarily dictate how that perception is interpreted. Changing light sources might modify visibility but does not fundamentally change the underlying mental predispositions that impact perceptual set.