Week_2.2 Limits of our sensation

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Questions and Answers

Why do we have a selective sensory system according to the passage?

To focus on irrelevant details

To enhance all sensory experiences

To conserve energy for more complex tasks (correct)

To ignore important information

What evolutionary advantage does a selective sensory system provide?

Enhanced creativity

Improved memory retention

Conservation of energy (correct)

Increased sensory overload

What are the limitations of our sensation based on?

Physical barriers

Elements of energy we can sense

Cultural influences

Types of energy we can sense (correct)

What restricts the elements of energy we can sense?

Biological factors Signup and view all the answers

What is the absolute threshold?

The minimum intensity of a stimulus that can be reliably detected over 50% of the time Signup and view all the answers

What method is used to measure absolute thresholds?

Constant stimuli method Signup and view all the answers

What is considered subliminal based on the passage?

Information that falls below the absolute threshold Signup and view all the answers

How does Weber's law determine perceptible differences in sensation?

By establishing the ratio of stimulus intensity to Just Perceptible Difference (JPD) Signup and view all the answers

What does the constant 'K' represent in the context of JND for weight perception?

The minimum weight difference needed for perception Signup and view all the answers

Which type of scale is most of our sensory experiences based on?

Logarithmic scale Signup and view all the answers

What kind of mapping does our subjective experience of changing stimuli have with the external environmental reality?

Non-linear mapping Signup and view all the answers

What determines perceptible differences in sensation according to the passage?

Weber's law Signup and view all the answers

What type of threshold is based on the smallest intensity of a stimulus that can be detected?

Absolute threshold Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of our sensory system, as described in the passage?

To filter out irrelevant internal and external events Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what role does attention play in our sensory system?

Attention can be consciously directed if needed Signup and view all the answers

What does the passage suggest about sensation as the starting point of our sensory experience?

Sensation isn’t the starting point of our sensory experience Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Selective Sensory System

A selective sensory system filters sensory information to prioritize significant stimuli for survival, allowing organisms to react effectively to their environments.
Evolutionary advantage includes enhanced survival through focused attention on critical stimuli, such as predators or food sources.

Limitations of Sensation

Sensation limitations arise from physiological and biological constraints, reflecting the evolutionary history of species.
The range of energy types that can be sensed is restricted by the specific receptors evolved to detect certain stimuli, such as light, sound, and touch.

Absolute Threshold

The absolute threshold is the minimum intensity of a stimulus that can be detected by an individual's senses.
Absolute thresholds are typically measured using a method called the method of limits, which involves gradually increasing or decreasing stimulus intensity until detection occurs.

Subliminal Perception

Subliminal stimuli are those that are below the absolute threshold, meaning they cannot be consciously perceived but may still influence behavior.

Weber's Law

Weber's law states that the perception of changes in stimuli is proportional to the original intensity of the stimulus, determining the just noticeable difference (JND) experienced.
The constant 'K' in Weber's law represents the ratio of the JND to the original stimulus intensity, specifically for weight perception.

Sensory Scale and Experience

Most sensory experiences are based on a ratio scale, which allows for proportional comparisons rather than absolute measures.
The mapping of subjective experiences to environmental stimuli illustrates how perceptions may not always align with objective reality, emphasizing individual interpretation of stimuli.

Determinants of Perceptible Differences

Perceptible differences in sensation are influenced by stimulus intensity, the type of sensory input, and individual variability.

Types of Thresholds

The type of threshold focused on is the absolute threshold, involving the smallest intensity of a stimulus detectable by the nervous system.

Purpose of the Sensory System

The main purpose of the sensory system is to gather information from the environment, providing insights necessary for timely responses and decision-making.

Role of Attention

Attention acts as a filter within the sensory system, prioritizing certain stimuli over others and shaping the overall sensory experience.

Sensation as Experience Starting Point

Sensation serves as the foundational input for the sensory experience, marking the initial encounter with stimuli before cognitive processing takes place.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the active process of representing some aspects of the internal and external environment using selective sensory systems. Explore how this process frees up energy for other important tasks and why we don't need to know everything.