Psychology Chapter 3 - Sensation and Perception

Questions and Answers

What is desensitization in the context of sensory perception?

Decreased sensitivity to constant stimuli (correct)

Enhanced perception of different stimuli

Increased sensitivity to stimuli

A method of amplifying sensory signals

What does the term 'absolute threshold' refer to?

The maximum amount of energy needed for perception

The lowest intensity of a stimulus that can be perceived (correct)

The threshold for subliminal stimulation

The variance in perception between different stimuli

Which of the following best describes 'hue'?

The wavelength of light that defines color (correct)

The level of sensitivity in dark conditions

The intensity of sound waves

The brightness of a color

What is the primary function of the cornea?

To form the outer surface of the eyeball Signup and view all the answers

What does 'subliminal stimulation' refer to?

Sensory stimulation below the absolute threshold Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference threshold?

The smallest detectable difference between two stimuli Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Weber’s constant' signify?

The ratio for detecting differences in sensory stimuli Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'dark adaptation'?

The increase in sensitivity of rods and cones in low lighting Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimal amount by which a stimulus must be increased or decreased for a difference in intensity to be perceived called?

Difference Threshold Signup and view all the answers

Which theory proposes that color vision is made possible by three types of cones responding to red, green, and blue light?

Trichromatic Theory Signup and view all the answers

In the context of color vision, what does the opponent-process theory suggest?

Three types of cones respond to pairs of colors such as red-green and blue-yellow. Signup and view all the answers

What are feature detectors?

Neurons in the sensory cortex that respond to specific features such as lines or edges. Signup and view all the answers

What is sensory adaptation?

Becoming less sensitive to constant or ongoing stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

What does a trichromat refer to?

A person with normal color vision. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a monochromat?

A person who is sensitive only to black and white. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of person is referred to as a dichromat?

Someone sensitive to black-white and either red-green or blue-yellow. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sensation

Stimulation of sensory receptors leads to the transmission of sensory information to the central nervous system.
Desensitization involves reduced sensitivity to constant stimuli, also known as negative adaptation.

Perception

Perception organizes sensations into an internal representation of the world.

Absolute Threshold

Refers to the minimal amount of energy needed to produce a sensation.

Visible Light

Part of the electromagnetic spectrum that elicits visual sensations in the eye.

Hue

Defined as the color of light, which is determined by its wavelength.

Pitch

Relates to the highness or lowness of a sound based on the frequency of sound waves.

Cornea

The transparent tissue forming the outer surface of the eyeball.

Presbyopia

A condition marked by the brittleness of the lens, often affecting vision with age.

Dark Adaptation

Process that increases the sensitivity of rods and cones in the eye in low lighting conditions.

Subliminal Stimulation

Sensory stimulation that occurs below a person's absolute threshold for conscious perception.

Difference Threshold

The minimal difference in intensity needed between two energy sources for them to be perceived as different.

Weber’s Constant

A specific fraction representing how much a source of physical energy must change for a perceivable difference.

Just Noticeable Difference (jnd)

The smallest amount by which a source of energy can be increased or decreased for a difference in intensity to be perceived.

Signal-Detection Theory

Proposes that sensory perception involves the interaction of physical, biological, and psychological factors.

Feature Detectors

Neurons in the sensory cortex that respond to specific features of sensory information, such as lines and edges.

Sensory Adaptation

Processes whereby organisms become more sensitive to low-magnitude stimuli and less sensitive to constant stimuli.

Sensitization

A type of sensory adaptation that leads to increased sensitivity to low-magnitude stimuli.

Afterimage

A lingering visual impression left by a stimulus after it has been removed.

Trichromatic Theory

Suggests that color vision is facilitated by three types of cones sensitive to red, green, and blue light.

Opponent-Process Theory

Proposes that color vision occurs through opposing pairs of cone responses, specifically red-green, blue-yellow, and intensity of light.

Trichromat

An individual with normal color vision.

Monochromat

A person sensitive only to black and white, resulting in color blindness.

Dichromat

A person sensitive to black and white and either red-green or blue-yellow, leading to some forms of color deficiency.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts from Chapter 3 of Introduction to Psychology, focusing on sensation and perception. Explore how sensory information is transmitted and how desensitization affects our sensitivity to constant stimuli.