<p>An interesting question.</p>

<p>It depends how you interpret "perception". Using its most common definition, following cognitive information processing theories, then yes. The perception of odors changes of over time.</p>

<p>This reference is comprehensive about the issue. Specifically about external factors and internal factors (e.g. individual's earlier experiences) on perception (Shiffrin and Schneider, 1977). </p>

<p>A question to pursue could be if there are certain differences among odors that makes some of them more or less susceptible for <em>change in perception over time</em>.</p>

<p>You can further argue that, even if the odor has the same molecules (formula), a person's capabilities of detecting all the molecules will change over time (deterioration), hence changing the perception of the odor over time. </p>

<ul>
<li>Shiffrin, R. M., &amp; Schneider, W. (1977). Controlled and automatic human information processing: II. Perceptual learning, automatic attending and a general theory. Psychological review, 84(2), 127.</li>
</ul>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-01-15T05:49:55.530Z
Good answer, but please give some references.
DesignerAnalyst
CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-01-15T05:52:55.427Z
"Perception is not only the passive receipt of these signals, but it's also shaped by the recipient's learning, memory, expectation, and attention." from [wiki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perception)
DesignerAnalyst
CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-01-16T21:32:36.197Z
@DesignerAnalyst Thanks for your comment. I have added a reference.
Jeyy
CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-01-14T12:24:26.963Z
2018-01-23T19:41:05.347Z
2018-01-23T19:41:05.347Z
Jeyy
<p>Is it normal for the perception of odors to change over time? I mean the same odors, like the smell of a snack with the same formula as before.</p>

<perception><sensation>
Does the perception of odors change over time?
asmani
# Does the perception of odors change over time?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2018-01-13)

Is it normal for the perception of odors to change over time? I mean the same odors, like the smell of a snack with the same formula as before.

**Tags:** perception, sensation


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2018-01-14. Score: 2 | Accepted answer

An interesting question.

It depends how you interpret "perception". Using its most common definition, following cognitive information processing theories, then yes. The perception of odors changes of over time.

This reference is comprehensive about the issue. Specifically about external factors and internal factors (e.g. individual's earlier experiences) on perception (Shiffrin and Schneider, 1977).

A question to pursue could be if there are certain differences among odors that makes some of them more or less susceptible for *change in perception over time*.

You can further argue that, even if the odor has the same molecules (formula), a person's capabilities of detecting all the molecules will change over time (deterioration), hence changing the perception of the odor over time.

* Shiffrin, R. M., & Schneider, W. (1977). Controlled and automatic human information processing: II. Perceptual learning, automatic attending and a general theory. Psychological review, 84(2), 127.

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: Good answer, but please give some references.  
> **username_2**: "Perception is not only the passive receipt of these signals, but it's also shaped by the recipient's learning, memory, expectation, and attention." from [wiki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perception)  
> **username_1**: @username_2 Thanks for your comment. I have added a reference.  

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