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Questions and Answers
What is the absolute threshold?
Give an example of absolute threshold.
As people age, they lose the ability to hear high-pitched sounds.
What is signal detection theory?
It is the idea that predicting whether or not we detect a stimulus depends on the stimulus as well as our experience, expectations, motivation, and alertness.
Provide an example of signal detection theory.
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Subliminal stimulation occurs when we are aware of a stimulus.
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What is a difference threshold (JND)?
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Give an example of a difference threshold.
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What is Weber's Law?
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Provide an example of Weber's Law.
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Study Notes
Absolute Threshold
- The minimum stimulation required to detect sensory inputs like light, sound, taste, pressure, or odor 50% of the time.
Absolute Threshold Example
- Aging leads to a loss of high-pitched sound detection; younger individuals use "mosquito" ringtones that are inaudible to adults.
- Businesses utilize this phenomenon to deter loitering teens.
Signal Detection Theory
- Detection of a stimulus is influenced by the stimulus itself as well as cognitive factors such as experience, expectations, motivation, and alertness.
Signal Detection Theory Example
- Individuals in life-threatening scenarios, such as combat, often experience enhanced signal detection capabilities.
Subliminal Stimulation
- Refers to stimuli presented below the conscious level of awareness, often imperceptible due to brief exposure.
- For instance, flashing an image for a millisecond might mean individuals don’t consciously register seeing it.
Difference Threshold (Just Noticeable Difference, JND)
- The minimum detectable difference between two stimuli, identifiable at least 50% of the time.
Difference Threshold Example
- Picking up two weights, a 20-pound weight versus a 20-pound 1-ounce weight may not elicit noticeable differences until the weight increase exceeds a threshold where the difference becomes apparent.
Weber's Law
- States that the difference between two stimuli must vary by a constant ratio rather than a fixed amount to be perceptible.
Weber's Law Example
- For weight discrimination, a minimum difference of 2% is required for perception, while for sound, a 0.3% difference is necessary for detection.
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Description
Explore key concepts in psychology with this set of flashcards focused on thresholds and signal detection theory. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of sensory perception and the absolute threshold phenomenon.
