Top-down vs. Bottom-up Processing

Top-down and bottom-up processing are ways our brain interprets what we see, hear, or experience. Bottom-up processing starts with sensory input—our eyes or ears collect information from the environment, which the brain then processes to form an understanding. Top-down processing, on the other hand, involves prior knowledge, experiences, and expectations guiding how we interpret sensory information. For example, if you see a blurry photo, your past experiences help you recognize what it is. Both processes work together to help us perceive and understand the world efficiently.