Module 16 Part 1 Flashcards
The process of organizing and interpreting sensory information, enabling us to recognize meaningful objects and events
Perception
Analysis that begins with the sensory receptors and works up to the brains integration of sensory information
Bottom-up processing
Information processing guided by higher level mental processes, as when we construct perceptions drawing on our experience and expectations
Top-bottom processing
The focusing of conscious awareness on a particular stimulus
Selective attention
Failing to see visible objects when our attention is directed elsewhere
Inattentional blindness
Failing to notice changes in the environment
Change blindness
Conversion of one form of energy into another
Transduction
The study of relationships between the physical characteristics of stimuli, such as their intensity, and our psychological experience of them
Psychophysics
The minimum stimulation needed to detect a particular stimulus 50% of the time
Absolute threshold
A theory predicting how and when we detect the presence of a faint stimulus amid background stimulation
Signal detection theory
Below ones absolute threshold of conscious awareness
Subliminal
The activation, often unconsciously, of certain associations, thus predisposing ones perception, memory or response
Priming
The minimum difference between two stimuli required for detection 50% of the time
Difference threshold
The principle that, to be perceived so different, two stimuli must differ by a constant minimum percentage
Webers law
Diminished sensitivity as a consequence of constant stimulation
Sensory adaptation
A mental predisposition to perceive one thing and not another
Perceptual set
The controversial claim that perception can occur apart from sensory input; includes telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition
Extrasensory perception (ESP)
The study of paranormal phenomena, including ESP and psychokinesis
Parapsychology
The distance from the peak of one light or sound wave to the peak of the next
Wavelength
The dimension of color that is determined by the wavelength of light
Hue
The amount of energy in a light or sound wave, which we perceive as brightness or loudness, as determined by the waves amplitude
Intensity
The adjustable opening in the center of the eye through which light enters
Pupil
A ring of muscle tissue that forms the colored portion of the eye around the pupil and controls the size of the pupil opening
Iris
The transparent structure behind the pupil that changes the shape to help focus images on the retina
Lens
The light sensitive inner surface of the eye, containing the receptor rods and cones plus layers of neurons that begin the processing of visual information
Retina
The process by which the eyes lens change shape to focus near or cs objects on the retina
Accommodation
Retinal receptors that detect black, white and gray
Rods
Retinal receptor cells that are concentrated near the center of the retina and that function in day light or well lit conditions
Cones
The nerve that carries neural impulses from the eye to the brain
Optic nerve
The process by which our sensory receptors and nervous system receive and represent stimulus energies from our environment
Sensation
