Chapter 6 Flashcards
Perception
The process of organizing and interpreting sensory information enabling us to recognize meaningful objects and events
Sensation
The process by which out sensory receptors and nervous system receive and represent stimulus energies from our environment
Bottom up
Analysis that begins with the sensory receptors and works up to the brains integration of sensory information FIRST IMPRESSION
Top down
Information processing guided by higher level mental process as we construct perceptions drawing on our experience and expectation EXPECTING
Psychophysics
The study of relationships between the physical characteristic of stimuli such as their intensity and out psychological experience of them
Absolute threshold
The minimum stimulation needed to detect a particular stimulus 50% of the time
Signal detection theory
A theory predicting how and when we detect the presence of a faint stimulus amid background stimulation. Assumes there is no single absolute threshold and that detection depends partly on a persons experience, expectations, motivations, and level of fatigue.
Subliminal
Below ones absolute threshold for conscious awareness
Priming
The activation, often unconsciously, of certain associations, this predisposing ones perception, memory, or response.
Difference threshold
The minimum difference between two stimuli required for detection 50% of the time. JND
Webers law
The principle that to be perceived as different two stimuli must differ by a constant minimum percentage
Sensory adaptation
Diminished sensitivity as a consequence of constant stimulation
Transduction
Conversion of one form of energy into another(sights sounds smells into neural impulses our brains can interpret)
Wavelength
Distance from the peak of one light or sound wave to the peak of the next
Hue
Dimension of color that is determined by wavelength of light
Intensity
The amount of energy in a light or sound wave which we perceive as brightness or loudness as determined by the waves amplitude
Pupil
Adjustable opening in center of eye in which light enters
Iris
Ring of muscle tissue that forms color portion of the eye around the pupil that controls pupil opening
Lens
Transparent structure behind the pupil that changes shape to focus image on retina
Retina
Light sensitive inner surface if the eye containing the receptor rods and cones plus layers of neurons that begin the processing of visual information
Accommodation
The process by which the eyes lens changes shape to focus near or far objects on retina
Rods
Retinal recruits that detect black white gray. Used in peripheral and twilight vision when cones don’t respond.
Cones
Retinal receptors that are concentrated near the center if the retina and that function in the daylight or in well lit conditions. Cones detect detail and color.
Optic nerve
Nerve that carries neural impulses from the eye to the brain