What is the process of interpreting and understanding sensory information called?

The process of interpreting and understanding sensory information is known as perception. Perception is a complex cognitive process that involves the organization, identification, and interpretation of sensory data in order to create meaningful experiences of the world around us. It allows individuals to make sense of stimuli received from the environment, such as sights, sounds, and smells, leading to a coherent understanding of what those stimuli represent.

Perception differs from other cognitive processes in that it specifically focuses on the immediate experience of sensory input rather than storing information (which is the role of memory), focusing mental resources (related to attention), or engaging in higher-level thought processes (which involve cognition). Therefore, perception is critically important for interpreting and understanding our sensory experiences and forming our overall perception of reality.