Module 20 - Basic Concepts of Sensation and Perception

Question 1

Sensation

Answer 1

The process by which we receive and represent stimulus from the environment

Question 2

Sensory receptors

Answer 2

Sensory nerve endings that respond to stimuli

Question 3

Perception

Answer 3

The interpreting of sensory information that enables us to recognize meaningful objects and events

Question 4

Bottom-up processing

Answer 4

The analysis of sensory information that is eventually interpreted by the brain

Question 5

Top-down processing

Answer 5

Higher-level processing of sensory information, as when we construct perceptions drawing on our experience and expectations

Question 6

Selective attention

Answer 6

The focusing of conscious awareness on a particular stimulus

Question 7

Inattentional blindness

Answer 7

Failing to see visible objects when our attention is directed elsewhere

Question 8

Change blindness

Answer 8

Failing to notice changes in the environment; a form of inattentional blindness

Question 9

Transduction

Answer 9

Turning sensory information into a form understandable to our brain

Question 10

Psychophysics

Answer 10

The study of relationships between physical characteristics of stimuli and our psychological experience of them

Question 11

Absolute threshold

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Signal detection theory

Answer 12

Predicts how and when we detect the presence of a faint stimulus amid background stimulation

Question 13

Subliminal

Answer 13

Below one’s absolute threshold for conscious awareness

Question 14

Difference threshold

Answer 14

The minimum difference between two stimuli required for detection 50 percent of the time (a just noticeable difference)

Question 15

Sensory adaptation

Answer 15

Diminished sensitivity as a consequence of constant stimulation (ex: you don’t notice a smell after being around it for a while)