Definitions Flashcards
What do sensory receptors do?
Sensory nerves respond to stimuli
What are sensory ganglia?
Collection of cell bodies outside the CNS
Define projection areas
Areas in the brain that analyze sensory input
Define absolute threshold
The min of stimulus energy that will activate a sensory system
Threshold of conscious perception
The minimum stimulus energy that will create a signal large enough in size and long enough in duration to be brought into awareness
What is the difference threshold?
The min difference in magnitude between two stimuli before one can perceive this difference
Define Weber’s Law
The JND for a stimulus is proportional to the magnitude of the stimulus
Signal Detection Theory
The effects of nonsensory factors, such as experiences, motives, and expectations on perception of stimuli. Accounts for response bias
Define adaptation
Refers to the decrease or increase in sensitivity to a stimulus
