module 17 basic concepts of sensation & preception Flashcards
sensation
the process by which our sensory receptors & nervous system receive & represent stimulus energies from our environment
sensory receptors
sensory nerve endings that respond to stimuli
perception
the process by which our brain organizes & interprets sensory information, enabling us to recognize objects and events as meaningful
bottom-up processing
information processing that begins with the sensory receptors & works up to the brain’s integration of sensory information
top-down processing
information processing guided by higher-level mental processes, as when we construct perceptions drawing on our experience and expectations
traduction
conversion of one form of energy into another. in sensation, the transforming of physical energy, such as sights, sounds, & smells, into neural impulses our brain can interpret
absolute threshold
the minimum stimulus energy needed to detect a particular stimulus 50% of the time
signal detection theory
a theory predicting how & when we detect the presence of a faint stimulus (signal). Assumes there is no signal absolute threshold & that detection depends partly on a person’s experience, expectations, motivations, & alertness
subliminal
below one’s absolute threshold for conscious awareness
difference threshold
the minimum difference between two stimuli required for detection 50% of the time. We experience the difference threshold as a just noticeable difference
weber’s law
the principle that, to be perceived as different, two stimuli must differ by a constant minimum percentage (rather than a constant amount)
sensory adaption
diminished sensitivity as a consequence of constant stimulation
perceptual set
a mental predispostion to percieve on e thing & not another
