👉 In linguistics and cognitive science, a perceptual is a type of mental process that involves processing sensory input through the senses. Perceptual processes are essential for understanding language, recognizing objects, and interpreting images or other visual stimuli. Perceptual processes can be organized into three main categories: kinesthetic, olfactory, and gustatory (or taste). Kinesthetic perception involves the use of muscles to perceive movement, such as when someone looks at a moving object. Olfactory perception is related