Observation, perception, imagination and visualisation are interdependent terms play pivotal role in the scientific research methods and day-to-day activities.
Observation is a broader concept than perception. Positivism philosophy states that universe is an orderly state and there is nothing like random.
So, by the means of observation and perception, one can easily understand the relations among observed things.
Perception is complementary process that helps to take deeper insight of perceived data. Scientifically, results obtained by observation might not strong enough. So, subject to test through experimentation.
Now, let’s see the explanations and interlink among observation, perception, imagination and visualisation processes.
Understanding perception, imagination and visualisation
Perception is a cognitive process of making sense of information received by sensory organs. Whereas, observation is a way to explore truth or facts to verify claims or assertions in the empirical research.
Decoding meaning of perception
Meaning of perception isn’t a testimony of eyewitness but deliberate cognitive process of selecting and interpreting received information.
In this process, it is so essential to ensure objectivity and impartiality while observing events and things. In short, perception is all about to giving meaning to sensory information with the help of earlier belief patterns or stored mental experiences. Herein, perspective of interpretator become so vital.
Decoding meaning of “Observation”
Unlike perception, observation is neutral, objective, and natural process of gaining information through sense organs.
Observation neither be selective nor deliberate but totally based on experiences. Depending on the various purposes, observation has many forms.
Observation and empirical research
Observation is the most fundamental part of the scientific research methods to collect information about experiences by forming connections and patterns.
Empirical research is the age old research method to find out explanation or answer for a question or claim. For this, observation process is the only means to reach at that goal.
Complementary nature of perception with observation
Information received by observation is processed in step by step manner. Mere observation cannot make the sense of information.
Therefore, to make the proper sense of information, the process of perception is indispensable. Then, only interpreted knowledge or facts are communicated or used to validate assertion or claim.
Major steps in perception
As we know that perception is so complex and abstract concept. So, step by step understanding seems utmost important.
1.Choosing salient aspects
Obviously, you can’t perceive everything but certain. If you perceive everything, you will hardly process. Perceiving selectivity is necessary to decode totality quickly.
2.Interpretation of perceived data
In this scenario, prior knowledge plays key role in evaluating perceived data in the light of prior knowledge. If you don’t have such knowledge, your entire endeavour will yield no result. That’s why minimum basic knowledge is necessary not sufficient condition before perceiving anything.
3.Expression of decoded data
Finally, data need to be transferred to help to test hypothesis or predictions in question to obtain knowledge. Hereafter, I’m going to explain imagination and visualisation.
Imagination and visualisation
In the process of explaining perception imagination and visualisation, this is an important term of thought process.
Imagination is about to try out something but in the hypothetical manner by using senses. It sounds more hypothetical since you can imagine things you hardly experienced.
Imagination meaning and definition
It is a mental process of applying five senses to form a hypothetical picture about a thing you may know or may not.
Purpose of imagination is to get experience without getting involved of anything possible or impossible. Though it involves five senses to form mental picture or concept, it has nothing to do with prior knowledge.
Simply, purpose is try out things which are either practically impossible or out of capability. By using such mental maneuvering, one can feel satisfied with experience.
Useful Example of imagination
Suppose, you are not a good swimmer, and you are watching some of your friends enjoying out in the river. What would you do? You start imagining as if you are in the cool water, and experiencing swimming along your friends.
In this way, you can experience events without actually being part of it. It is okay as far as experience and enjoyment is concerned.
Understanding difference between imagination Vs visualisation
Firstly, visualisation need prior knowledge before to experiment mentally with visual sense. Whereas, imagination doesn’t rely on prior knowledge for mental experience. But, with imagination you can have experience of all senses.
Secondly, visualisation is a mental rehearsal of an action you are going to present later. So, it is essential for best outcome.
On the other hand, you imagine thing only for experience or enjoyment because practical it may be possible or not.
Final thought on imagination
After all, visualisation is definitely an effective means to try out things mentally you are doing later.
Simply, imagination has neither motive nor purpose but just experience of unaffordable things.
Nevertheless, both have mental exercises though purposes are different.
Definition and examples of visualisation
Finally, this is the last among perception imagination and visualisation.
Visualisation is a mental rehearsal of trying out things that you are going to perform, with the help of knowledge base. It is much more experimental in nature. Simply, pre mental exercise of things to ensure better practical. Let’s make it more simple through definition and examples of visualisation.
Visualization meaning and usages
Comparatively, visualisation has some knowledge base. It is a mental process of forming things that you are Just going to experiment. It is a type of mental rehearsal of things that you are going to do in practical.
So, it’s nature is practical and to visualise something, you need certain prior knowledge base. But unlike imagination, only visual sense is applied.
Generally, it is experimented before you are going to present what you have planned. Hence, it is termed as mental rehearsal prior to practical.
Examples of visualisation
On the other hand, visualisation has different meanings. For example, tomorrow, you are going to perform in drama at annual function. What would you do?
Here, you start experimenting mentally with the help of earlier practice. Such mental rehearsal of what you are going to perform tomorrow will definitely boosts confidence.
Importance and purpose of visualisation
So, being more practical and experiment oriented, visualisation has much more applicability than imagination. Many a times, it is used or practiced before any presentation as part of mental rehearsal.
To master arts like drama, play, dance, paintings, or to understand psychomotor skills before practical, visualisation is practiced. Hope, this content regarding definition and examples of visualisation will help you to bring more clarity.
This is all about the meaning, examples and importance of vital cognitive processes like observation, perception, imagination and visualisation.
Empirical research methodology
Theory hypothesis and research
Conditional statements explained
Sentence and statement difference