AP Psychology Practice Test 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Perception is indeed defined as the organization and interpretation of sensory information. It involves how we process and make sense of the sensory input received from our environment. While sensation refers to the initial detection of stimuli through our sensory organs, such as eyes, ears, and skin, perception takes this raw data and allows us to interpret it in meaningful ways. For example, when you look at a painting, your eyes detect colors and shapes (sensation), but your brain then organizes and interprets these visual elements to understand what the painting represents or evokes (perception).

The other options present misconceptions about the relationship between sensation and perception. Although the statement about the physiological and psychological aspects touches on relevant topics, it does not accurately capture the essence of the distinction. Sensation includes the physiological reception of stimuli, while perception is largely psychological, involving cognitive processes. Additionally, the distinction between internal and external stimuli is not entirely accurate, as both sensation and perception can relate to external stimuli but operate at different stages of processing.