Sensation and Perception: Basics Flashcards
sensation
the process by which our sensory receptors and nervous system receive and represent stimulus energies from our environment
sensory receptors
sensory nerve endings that respond to stimuli
perception
the process by which our brain organizes and interprets sensory information
bottom-up processing
analysis that begins with the sensory receptors and works up to the brain’s integration of sensory information
top-down processing
information processing guided by higher-level mental processes; when we construct perceptions drawing on our experience and expectations.
transduction
the transforming of sensory input into neural impulses our brain can interpret.
absolute threshold
the minimum stimulus energy needed to detect a particular stimulus
signal detection theory
a theory predicting how and when we detect the presence of a faint stimulus (signal) amid background stimulation (noise).
difference threshold
the minimum difference between two stimuli required for detection
sensory adaptation
diminished sensitivity as a consequence of constant stimulation;
Like my pain tolerance
priming
the activation, often unconsciously, of certain associations, thus predisposing one’s perception, memory, or response;
first impression affect
perceptual set
a mental predisposition to perceive one thing and not another.
What determines a Perceptual set
Through experience we form concepts, or schemas, that organize and interpret unfamiliar information.
