The Perceptual Prediction Paradox
From the noisy information bombarding our senses, our brains must construct percepts that are veridical – reflecting the true state of the world – and informative – conveying what we did not already know. Influential theories suggest that both challenges are met through mechanisms that use expectations about the likely state of the world to shape perception. However, current models explaining how expectations render perception either veridical or informative are mutually incompatible. While the former propose that perceptual experiences are dominated by events we expect, the latter propose that perception of expected events is suppressed.
Farah is a Middle Eastern-Canadian sociologist from Ottawa, examining the role of social structures in fostering personal growth. Her passion is highlighting stories of human adaptability, and promoting inclusive group strategies for realizing untapped potential.