Several senses inform one event
Explore how information from different senses contributes to experience.
The picture in words
- Taste
- Signals from taste receptors contribute information.
- Smell
- Odor contributes to the flavor experience.
- Texture
- Touch and oral sensations also contribute.
Reading the illustration
Follow the three paths toward the strawberry experience. Taste, aroma and texture contribute to the perception of flavor.
Try a question
Why could changing the smell alter the experience of the same food?
Show the explanation
Flavor draws on several sensory contributions. A change in one source can affect the combined experience.
Read the sources
- Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020). Psychology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/5-5-the-other-sensesSelected rendered passages: Chemical senses opening.
- NIDCD: Taste disorders. (n.d.). https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/taste-disordersSelected rendered passages: How does your sense of taste work: flavor-combination paragraphs.