Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Top-down processing is an approach to perception that involves higher-level cognitive processes such as memory and expectation to influence how we perceive sensory information.
These are mental frameworks or concepts that help us organize and interpret information. They're like the instructions for your LEGO set.
Conceptual-driven Processing: Another term for top-down processing; it emphasizes how our existing knowledge or expectations shape our interpretation of sensory information. It's like knowing what the completed puzzle should look like before starting it.
Context Effects: These refer to how context or surrounding information can influence perception. For example, a piece might fit differently in your LEGO structure depending on where you try to place it.