Ironically, one of the best ways to explore this is through altered states of consciousness, such as through psychedelics, or through various forms of meditatio

Ironically, one of the best ways to explore this is through altered states of consciousness, such as through psychedelics, or through various forms of meditation. It's in those altered states that you can experience just how much normal perception results from interpretation layered on top of sensory cues. For example, it is possible to become aware of the exact sensation of pain. The process of trying to pin down pain changes its experience (it often lessens its impact). I have heard that in extreme concentration states, pain can be perceived as discrete pulses of sensation, clearly distinguishing an "echo" that fills in between pulses that makes pain appear to be a continuous sensation. Editing of memories in neurotypical, otherwise functioning members of society happens much more frequently than we care to admit.