Sensation and Perception Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Which of the following is true regarding the absolute threshold?

The absolute threshold for any stimulus varies somewhat. (correct)

The absolute threshold for any stimulus is a constant.

The absolute threshold is defined as the minimum amount of stimulation necessary for a stimulus to be detected 60% of the time.

The absolute threshold is defined as the minimum amount of stimulation necessary for a stimulus to be detected 75% of the time.

If you can just notice the difference between 10 and 11-pound weights, which of the following weights could you differentiate from a 100-pound weight?

There is no basis for prediction.

What is a decrease in sensory responsiveness accompanying an unchanging stimulus called?

sensory adaptation

Which of the following is an example of sensory adaptation?

Finding the cold water of a swimming pool warmer after you have been in it for a while. Signup and view all the answers

What does Weber's Law state about just noticeable differences (jnd)?

the jnd for any stimulus is a constant proportion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the ability to detect a candle flame from a distance of 30 miles on a dark, clear night?

absolute threshold Signup and view all the answers

In shopping for a new stereo, you discover that you cannot differentiate between the sounds of models X and Y. The difference between X and Y is below your ______.

difference threshold Signup and view all the answers

Sensation is to ___ as perception is to .

detecting a stimulus; recognizing a stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Jess run her fingertips over the cloth's surface when admiring its texture?

if the cloth were held motionless, sensory adaptation to its feel would quickly occur. Signup and view all the answers

Superman's eyes used , while his brain used .

bottom-up processing; top-down processing. Signup and view all the answers

What are the raw data of experience based on the activation of certain receptors located in the various sensory organs?

Sensations Signup and view all the answers

What is the point at which a person can detect a stimulus 50 percent of the time it is presented called?

absolute threshold Signup and view all the answers

The lowest stimulus intensity required for detection is the and the smallest noticeable difference between a standard stimulus intensity and another stimulus value is the .

absolute threshold; difference threshold Signup and view all the answers

What are messages that can be sent to consumers, prompting them to buy a product without their being aware of receiving such messages called?

below threshold stimuli Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sensation and Perception Concepts

Absolute Threshold: The minimum stimulation required to detect a stimulus 50% of the time; it varies somewhat.
Difference Threshold (Just Noticeable Difference - jnd): The smallest detectable difference between two stimuli; it is a constant proportion as stated by Weber's Law.
Sensory Adaptation: A decrease in sensitivity to a constant stimulus over time; example includes perceiving cold water warmer after initial exposure.
Sensation vs. Perception: Sensation involves detecting stimuli, while perception is about recognizing and interpreting them.

Examples and Applications

Example of Sensory Adaptation: Finding the water in a pool warmer after staying in for a while illustrates sensory adaptation.
Weber's Law: jnd is always a constant proportion, which means that as stimulus intensity increases, so does the absolute difference required for a person to notice a change.
Sensation as Raw Data: Sensations serve as the raw data gathered from sensory organs, which must be interpreted to create perceptions.

Thresholds in Sensory Experience

Absolute Threshold vs. Difference Threshold: The absolute threshold refers to the point where a stimulus can be detected, while the difference threshold refers to the minimum difference needed to notice a change.
Sensory Receptors: Sensations are influenced by the activation of specific receptors in sensory organs.

Important Sensory Phenomena

Signal Detection: Refers to the ability to discern between information-bearing patterns (stimuli) and random noise; critical to understanding sensory processing.
Perceptual Processing: Involves bottom-up processing (data-driven) and top-down processing (concept-driven) to interpret sensory information effectively.

Psychological and Marketing Perspectives

Subliminal Messages: Believed to be unnoticed cues that can influence consumer behavior and decision-making.
Sensations in Decision Making: Awareness of sensory input can affect choices and reactions, critical in areas like marketing and behavioral psychology.

Practical Considerations

Real-World Applications: Understanding thresholds and sensory adaptation can inform practices in design, marketing, and ergonomics to enhance user experience and product interaction.

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Description

Test your knowledge of sensation and perception with these flashcards. The quiz covers key concepts such as the absolute threshold and how stimuli are detected. Perfect for psychology students looking to reinforce their understanding of this crucial topic.