'Receptor component' and 'active component' in the psychology and psychopathology of perception

Sensory perception should not be regarded as one starting only (and solely) when the receptor is being stimulated. Along with the receptor component, the active component plays an essential role in the perception process. The main elements forming the active component are: expectation of a certain s ignal, prediction of the signal most probable in this particular situation, and an affective distinction determining the necessity of the signal for t he individual perceiving the signal. Hence, a sequence of sensory phenomena can be formed (both for the normal and pathological states) depending on t he relation between the receptor and active components. (C) 2000 Harcourt P ublishers Ltd.