Perceptual Systems Flashcards
Sensation
the process by which we receive information from the environment
Sensation involves coordination among:
a. receptors
b. neural pathways
c. sensory pathways
Perception
process of selecting information from the environment and the interpretation of information from the environment
Distinction unnecessary:
Perceptual systems= neurons and previous experience
Psychophysics
the subfield that focuses on the relationship between physical stimuli and people’s conscious
Absolute Threshold
the point at which a stimulus can be detected 50% of the time. given a particular stimulus, the minimum stimulation needed for detection
Difference Threshold (jnd)
the minimum change in stimulation that can be reliably detected ~50% of the time
Weber’s Law
jnd is constant, fraction (K) of the intensity of the stimulus
Signal Detection Theory
perception is dependent on intensity of stimuli and on observer motivation
Subliminal Perception
perception below the threshold of awareness
Selective Attention
a. inattentional blindness-the failure to notice a fully-visible, but unexpected object because attention was engaged on another task, event, or object.
b. change blindness- failure to learn difference of change
Divided Attention
Dichotic Listening- trying to pay attention to two things at once (Cocktail Party Effect)
Transducers
converting one form of energy into another (aka receptor cells)
Forms of environmental info.
air vibrations, gases, chemicals, tactile pressures, electromagnetic waves
Sensory Adaptation
a decline in receptor activity when stimuli are unchanging
