Sensation and Perception Unit 2

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary objective of sensation?

To detect an external stimulus (correct)

To make judgments and choose behaviors

To interpret sensory information

To create useful information about our environment

What is the term for the minimum amount of stimulation required for a sensory organ to detect a stimulus?

Signal detection

Absolute threshold (correct)

Top-down processing

Differential threshold

According to Table 2.1, what is the approximate distance at which a streetlight can be seen on a clear and dark night?

1 kilometre

20 kilometres

10 kilometres (correct)

5 kilometres

What is the term for the process of combining current sensory information with prior knowledge to make judgments and choose behaviors?

Top-down processing Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle that relates to our ability to detect the difference between two stimuli of different intensities?

Differential threshold Signup and view all the answers

How do sensation and perception work together?

They work together to allow us to experience the world Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of detecting an external stimulus?

Signal detection Signup and view all the answers

What influences how we interpret sensations?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of our sensory systems?

To explore and respond to stimuli in our environments Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the stimulation of sensory organs?

Sensation Signup and view all the answers

What do our sensory receptors constantly collect from the environment?

Environmental stimuli Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of organising and interpreting sensory information called?

Perception Signup and view all the answers

What type of processing involves the fact that perceptions are built from sensory input?

Bottom-up processing Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between people and their environment?

People are continually in constant interaction with the environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of the process of sensation and perception?

A unique experience of the world around us Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the mind in the process of sensation and perception?

The mind is bombarded with information Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Sensation and Perception

People are constantly interacting with their environment, which influences their behavior and understanding of the world.
Our sensory systems allow us to explore, understand, and respond to various stimuli in our environment, giving each of us a unique experience.

Defining Sensation and Perception

Sensation is the awareness resulting from the stimulation of sensory organs (e.g., eyes, ears), and is a function of low-level, biochemical, and neurological mechanisms.
Perception is the organization, interpretation, and conscious experience of sensory information.
Perception involves both bottom-up processing (building from sensory input) and top-down processing (influenced by available knowledge, experiences, and thoughts).

Goals and Principles

The goal of sensation is detection, while the goal of perception is to create useful information about the environment.
Sensation and perception work together to allow us to experience the world through our senses and combine current learning with prior knowledge.
The absolute threshold is the minimum amount of stimulation required to detect a stimulus, and varies for each sense.
The differential threshold (or just noticeable difference) is the ability to detect the difference between two stimuli of different intensities, and changes depending on the stimulus intensity.