Sensation and Perception

Sensation and Perception covers in detail the perceptual processes related to vision and hearing, taste and smell, touch and pain as well as the vestibular and proprioceptive systems. Individual chapters cover separate topics including the fast-developing areas of perception of emotions and attractiveness and recognition of faces, plus newer topics not seen regularly in other textbooks, for example changes in perception throughout the lifespan and pathologies of perception.

Key features:

Chapters begin with summaries of key topics and questions to aid learning Includes key points, spotlights on research, and 'Thinking about Research' sections, designed to encourage students to design their own studies Chapters close with 'Test Yourself' questions, a review of key terms and annotated further readings

A Companion Website offers additional resources for lecturers and students available on publication at

Electronic inspection copies are available for instructors.

“The student-friendly, yet academic, writing style, and the enthusiasm with which explanations and concepts are presented, not only allow a good understanding of perception processes but also convey a feeling of the author's passion and commitment towards perception research.”

Sensation and Perception is to be commended for presenting complex topics in a stimulating manner, without resorting to 'dumbing down' in order to keep the reader engaged. Not only would it be of obvious use to any second- or third-year undergraduate course on perception, but I can see it being used as an excellent resource for guiding potential final-year dissertation students in the intricacies of experimental design. To that end, Harris's text is a timely and very welcome addition to any undergraduate psychology degree programme. -- Peter J Etchells

Sensation and Perception is an exceptional textbook for any undergraduate student, at any level, having to deal with perception research... it would be a formidable addition to any recommended reading list, not only for undergraduate students within a psychology degree but also as a useful reference or key textbook for their supervisors. I totally enjoyed reading it! -- Olivia D Vatmanides 'The breadth of coverage is greater than most other textbooks of its type. The entertaining summaries and test questions will be enjoyed by undergraduates. The book may be broad, but its coverage is deep, so both graduate students and their supervisors will find it a useful reference for material they do not know they do not know. I shall be recommending this book to my students' -- Arnold Wilkins 'John Harris has decades of experience on how to get students interested in perception, not the hottest topic for most psychology students. In his book, he draws on this experience to get the reader motivated in understanding the problems to be solved in perception research, the methods used and the often surprising insights gained, using hearing and seeing as main examples. John also makes clear that there is still much more to uncover and that humans are still better at most perceptual tasks than computers are. A fun book to read' -- Manfred Fahle

John Harris is Emeritus Professor of Psychology at the University of Reading, where he has taught about perception for over twenty years. Previously, he worked at the National Physical Laboratory, and later at the University of Bristol, in the Departments of Anatomy and Psychology. He has published more than 70 articles and book chapters on aspects of visual perception and its abnormalities. He has been associated for many years with the international journal Perception, first as an Associate Editor and later as a member of the Editorial Board.

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