top-down processing
information processing guided by higher-level mental processes, as when we construct perceptions drawing on our experiences and expectations
Top-down processing refers to the use of prior knowledge, experience, and expectations to make sense of incoming sensory information. In other words, it involves the brain’s higher-level processes in interpreting and understanding information based on past experiences or knowledge rather than just the sensory inputs.
An example of top-down processing is reading a book. In this case, the reader’s prior knowledge of language, vocabulary, and grammar allows them to interpret the letters on the page as words, and then construct meaning and derive understanding from those words. Similarly, when listening to a song, our prior musical experiences and cultural influences allow us to recognize patterns and predict the lyrics or melody of the song even before it is played.
Top-down processing is integral to our ability to navigate and interpret the world around us since it helps us make sense of complex information quickly and efficiently. However, it can also lead to errors in perception when our assumptions or expectations are incorrect. For example, seeing a stick in the water and assuming it is a snake based on prior experiences with snakes would be an example of a top-down processing error.
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