Chapter 12- Intro To Sensation

Question 1

Sensation

Answer 1

The process by which our sensory receptors and nervous system receive and represent stimulus energies from our environment

Question 2

Perception

Answer 2

The process of organizing and interpreting sensory information, enabling us to recognize meaningful objects and events

Question 3

Bottom-up processing

Answer 3

Analysis that begins with the sensory receptors and works up to the brains integration of sensory information

Question 4

Top-down processing

Answer 4

Drawing on our knowledge and experiences to make judgments of what we are experiencing

Question 5

Absolute threshold

Answer 5

The minimum stimulation needed to detect a particular stimulus 50 percent of the time

Question 6

Signal detection theory

Answer 6

A theory predicting how and when we detect the presence of a faint stimulus (signal) amid background stimulation (noise). Assumes there is no single absolute threshold and that detection depends partly on a persons experience, expectations, motivation, and level of fatigue.

Question 7

Subliminal

Answer 7

Below one’s absolute threshold for conscious awareness— without our awareness; extraordinary suggestive powers

Question 8

Priming

Answer 8

The activation (often unconsciously) of certain associations that predispose ones perception, memory or response