Sensory Processes

Rating:
Summary: Great interdiscliplinary intro to human sensory systems
Review: Sensory Processes by David Soderquist (Sage Publications) provides an introductory text that emphasizes all the sensory systems from a neuroscience perspective. The text is designed to meet a new and relatively unique niche in the neurosciences. The first two chapters provide the basic neural and physiological foundations for the remaining chapters. The text then continues by focusing on the neurological processes associated with each sensory modality. Although the emphasis is on the neurological aspects of each sensory system, perception is not disregarded. Perceptual processes are introduced and discussed from a neurological perspective. A unique aspect of the text is the inclusion of anomalies and dysfunctions for each sensory modality. In addition, a Glossary provides definitions for each highlighted term or concept discussed in the chapters. Given this approach, the content of the book is most likely to attract individuals interested in neuroscience, psychology, and biology. Sensory Processes, however, also recommends itself to those in other disciplines (anthropology, pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-veterinarian)
For over three decades Soderquist taught graduate and undergraduate courses in psychology. Although the courses have varied in their depth of presentation, content, and titles (Introductory Psychology, Perception, Sensation and Perception, Sensory Processes, Biological Psychology, Auditory Perception, Animal Psychophysics), they all focused on or emphasized particular perceptual aspects of human and animal existence. Because perception is one of the major intellectual pursuits of psychologists, it is well recognized that "There is nothing that is in the intellect that is not first in the senses" (Blaise Pascal).