sensation and perception

Question 1

bottom-up processing

Answer 1

starts with raw sensory data that feed up to the brain

Question 2

top-down processing

Answer 2

starts with observer’s expectations and knowledge

Question 3

absolute threshold

Answer 3

minimal amount of stimulation that can be detected

Occurs when person can detect signal 50% of the time

Question 4

difference threshold

Answer 4

lowest level of stimulation required to sense that a change in stimulation has occurred

Question 5

sensory adaptation

Answer 5

Tendency of sensory systems to respond less to stimuli that continue without change
Evolutionary - constant sensory input provides no new information
Exceptions: vision, severe pain

Question 6

gestalt approach

Answer 6

the whole is greater than the sum of its sensory parts

We have natural organization

Question 7

retinal disparity

Answer 7

images produce different image on each retina

Question 8

convergence

Answer 8

turning inward of eyes toward nearby object

Closer object -> greater convergence