Unit 4.2 - Thresholds Flashcards
What is a threshold?
How much something has to exist for us to pick it up or sense it.
What is the absolute threshold?
It is the lowest level; smallest detectable sensation.
What is just noticeable difference (JND)? Why is it important?
This refers to the smallest detectable increase of initial stimuli. It is the smallest change in stimuli that we can notice 50% of the time. It is the increase of 1/30 of the stimuli we would recognize; cannot detect 31 candle. Changes in our environment but if they are smaller than that ratio of 1/30, we may not be able to pick them up.
What does Fechner’s law refer to?
Magnitude is equal to the number of JND’s above the absolute threshold. Found that sensation is proportional to logarithm and constant of original stimuli value. The difference threshold is a constant fraction of the original stimulus.
What is subliminal perception?
Perception without awareness as so much is going on in contact.
What is subliminal perception above the threshold?
It can above the absolute threshold, which is flashes in movies, small sound effects, product placements for advertisements.
What is subliminal perception below the threshold?
Cannot see or sense the stimuli, but it changes behaviour. An example possibly being subliminal scents.
What falls under sensory adaptation?
Desensitization and sensitization.
What is desensitization?
You become less aware of stimulus, but it is still noticeable if it changes/novel. This includes becoming sensitized to sounds, violence, buzzing of fridge.
What does sensitization mean?
You become more aware of stimulus overtime, and you have a more tune N.S. and you are more responsive to certain stimuli. Example being you newborn baby murmuring or a new ringtone.
What does sensory deprivation mean? What does it mean by individual thresholds?
It refers to the lack of sensory input. It can cause sensory hallucinations from this extreme boredom. The thresholds differ from each individual. Those who are introverted will like a float tank and find it calming. Those who are extroverted will likely hallucinate faster to replace empty space where external stimuli was supposed to go.
