Which of the following factors does NOT influence perception?

Perception is significantly influenced by various factors, including past experiences, motivation, and social context. Past experience shapes how an individual interprets sensory information, as previous encounters can color one's expectations and understanding of new situations. Similarly, motivation plays a crucial role, as an individual's drive to achieve specific goals can impact what they focus on and how they interpret stimuli in their environment. Social context also heavily influences perception; the cultural and social frameworks within which a person exists can alter their viewpoints on situations.

While knowledge of the topic may inform one’s understanding and provide a framework for interpreting specific information, it is not a direct factor that influences perception in the same way that the other elements do. Knowledge can enhance comprehension but does not inherently change the perception process itself. Therefore, it stands out among the listed options as the factor that does not directly influence perception.