Threshold

Question 1

Difference Threshold

Answer 1

Smallest difference you can perceive

Question 2

Absolute Threshold

Answer 2

Smallest physical intensity you can perceive

Question 3

True or False: The limit at which a stimulus is “detected” vs “not detected” is not sharp.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

“The threshold is defined as the sensory intensity at which a stimulus is detected ___% of the time.”

Answer 4

50

Question 5

Why isn’t the threshold sharper?

Answer 5

Signal and noise

Question 6

Methods of constant stimuli

Answer 6

-Several intensities are systematically tested in a random order -Most accurate, but it takes a long time

Question 7

Methods of limits (ascending/descending)

Answer 7

-Ascending/descending cycles; change direction when a “yes” or a “no” -A bit less accurate -Some intensities still don’t contribute much information

Question 8

Staircase method

Answer 8

-Go back as soon as there is a change in response -Faster than the method of limits, and almost as accurate

Question 9

Method of adjustment

Answer 9

-Let the participant increase/decrease intensity in order to identify the threshold -Really fast -Not very accurate