People experience mildly unpleasant tastes as very unpleasant if they mentally anticipate that an unpleasant taste is coming. This best illustrates the importance of

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The phenomenon described in the question indicates top-down processing, where higher-level cognitive processes (such as anticipation, expectation, and perception) influence lower-level sensory perception (such as taste). It is the mental anticipation that alters the perception of taste, emphasizing the role of top-down processing. The other options (psychokinesis, Weber's law, and sensory adaptation) do not explain this phenomenon.

People Experience Mildly Unpleasant Tastes as Very Unpleasant If They