Perceptions result when a person?

Perceptions are the outcomes of the cognitive process where an individual interprets and gives meaning to the sensations they are experiencing. This means that when the sensory information is received through the senses—such as sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell—it is not enough for mere sensation to occur; the brain must process these experiences and integrate them with existing knowledge and context to create understanding.

For example, if someone sees a ball coming toward them, they not only sense its shape and color but also interpret it in the context of what a ball is and how it typically behaves. This interpretation is shaped by previous knowledge, emotional responses, and the immediate situation. Thus, perceptions go beyond simple sensory input; they involve cognitive processing that assigns meaning, which is essential to how individuals navigate and respond to their environments.

In contrast, the other choices do not encapsulate the essence of perception as effectively. Allowing external stimuli to dominate does not guarantee that meaning is assigned; solely focusing on visual information limits perception to one sense; and prioritizing past experiences can influence but does not directly describe the process of creating perception from current sensations.