Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Bottom-up processing is an approach to perception that begins with raw sensory data that gets sent up to the brain for higher-level analysis.
Related terms
Feature Analysis: This refers to processing an object or visual scene based on its smaller parts or characteristics first before recognizing it as a whole. Like identifying each LEGO piece before understanding what they combine to create.
Data-driven Processing: Another term for bottom-up processing; it emphasizes how raw sensory input drives our understanding of the environment. It's like building a puzzle by starting with individual pieces.
This is a predisposition to perceive things in a certain way, which can be influenced by expectations and cultural background. It's like having an idea of what your finished LEGO set should look like based on the box image.