The type of processing that involves the interpretation of sensations and is influenced by available knowledge and expectancies is called top-down processing.

Explanation of Top-Down Processing

Top-down processing starts with the brain’s existing knowledge, experiences, and expectations, which guide how sensory information is interpreted and organized. Instead of passively receiving sensory input, the brain actively uses what it already knows to make sense of the sensations. This type of processing allows the brain to "fill in the gaps" when sensory information is incomplete or ambiguous.

Contrast to Bottom-Up Processing

Bottom-up processing, in contrast, starts with raw sensory data and builds up toward cognitive understanding without relying on prior knowledge. Top-down processing plays a crucial role in situations where perception is influenced by context, learning, or expectation, such as recognizing letters based on surrounding context or interpreting ambiguous shapes.

Role in Perception

Top-down processing is fundamental to perception, as it helps quickly interpret and understand the environment by using prior knowledge to influence how sensory information is perceived. It is especially important for interpreting complex stimuli, focusing attention, and making sense of sensory input efficiently. This concept is well-established in cognitive psychology and widely referenced in studies of perception and sensory processing.