Modules 16-17 Vocab

Question 1

The process by which our sensory receptors and nervous system receive and represent stimulus energies from our environment

Answer 1

Sensation

Question 2

The process of organizing and interpreting sensory information, enabling us to recognize meaningful objects and events

Answer 2

Perception

Question 3

Analysis that begins with the sensory receptors and works up to the brain’s integration of sensory information

Answer 3

Bottom-up processing

Question 4

Information processing guided by higher-level mental processes, as when we construct perceptions drawing on our experience and expectations

Answer 4

Top-down processing

Question 5

The focusing of conscious awareness on a particular stimulus

Answer 5

Selective attention

Question 6

Failing to see visible objects when our attention is directed elsewhere

Answer 6

Inattentional blindness

Question 7

Failing to notice changes in the environment

Answer 7

Change blindness

Question 8

Conversion of one form of energy into another. In sensation, the transforming of stimulus energies, such as sights, sounds, and smells, into neural impulses our brain can interpret

Answer 8

Transduction

Question 9

The study of relationships between the physical characteristics of stimuli, such as their intensity, and out psychological experience of them

Answer 9

Psychophysics

Question 10

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

Answer 10

Absolute threshold

Question 11

A theory predicting how and when we detect the presence of a faint stimulus (signal) amid background stimulation (noise). Assumes that there is no single absolute threshold and that detection depends partly on a person’s experience, expectations, motivation, and alertness

Answer 11

Signal detection theory

Question 12

Below one’s absolute threshold for conscious awareness

Answer 12

Subliminal

Question 13

The activation, often unconsciously, of certain associations, thus predisposing one’s perception, memory, or response

Answer 13

Priming

Question 14

The minimum difference between two stimuli required for detection 50 percent of the time. Just noticeable difference

Answer 14

Difference threshold

Question 15

The principle that, to be perceived as different, two stimuli must differ by a constant minimum percentage rather than a constant amount

Answer 15

Weber’s law

Question 16

Diminished sensitivity as a consequence of constant stimulation

Answer 16

Sensory adaptation

Question 17

A mental predisposition to perceive one thing and not another

Answer 17

Perceptual set

Question 18

The controversial claim that perception can occur apart from sensory input; includes telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition

Answer 18

Extrasensory perception (ESP)

Question 19

The study of paranormal phenomena, including ESP and psychokinesis

Answer 19

Parapsychology

Question 20

Tendency to see faces in clouds and other ambiguous stimuli is based on what perception principle

Answer 20

Perceptual set