Perspectives

Sensation

The process by which sensory receptors respond to external stimuli, converting them into neural impulses for the brain to interpret.

Perception

Involves organizing and interpreting sensory signals into meaningful experiences.

Bottom-up Processing

Analyzing small details to build a full perception; data-driven and often slower but more accurate.

Top-Down Processing

Using prior knowledge and expectations to interpret sensory information; expectation-driven interpretation.

Selective Attention

Focusing on specific stimuli among many encountered, like tuning into a single voice in a noisy environment.

Inattentional Blindness

Missing visible objects because attention is focused elsewhere.

Change Blindness

Failing to notice changes in a visual environment.

Absolute Threshold

The minimum stimulus required for detection.

Difference Threshold (Just Noticeable Difference)

The smallest detectable difference between two stimuli.

Sensory Adaptation

Reduced sensitivity due to prolonged exposure to a stimulus.

Synesthesia

A condition where one sense involuntarily triggers another, like associating colors with sounds.

Signal Detection Theory

Predicts when weak stimuli will be detected, influenced by expectations and motivation.

Subliminal Stimulation

Perception of stimuli below conscious awareness.

Priming

Activating associations in memory that can shape responses to stimuli.

Transduction

The conversion of light into neural impulses.

Cornea

Part of the eye that protects and allows light to enter.

Pupil

Regulates light intake in the eye.

Lens

Focuses light onto the retina.

Retina

Contains receptors (rods and cones) that detect light and color.

Trichromatic Theory

The theory that the retina has three types of cones that combine to produce all colors.

Opponent-Process Theory

Colors are interpreted in opposing pairs after initial processing.

Dichromatism

Seeing only two of the three primary colors.

Monochromatism

Complete color blindness, seeing shades of only one color.

Parallel Processing

The brain processes aspects of vision like color, movement, shape, and depth simultaneously.

Gestalt Psychology

Studies how we naturally integrate pieces of information into meaningful wholes.

Figure-Ground

The ability to distinguish an object from its background.

Depth Perception

The ability to perceive the world in three dimensions and judge distances.

Binocular Cues

Depth cues that require the use of both eyes.

Monocular Cues

Depth cues that are available using one eye.

Perceptual Constancy

Recognizing objects as unchanging despite changes in appearance.

Perceptual Adaptation

Adjusting to altered visual fields.

Perceptual Set

A mental predisposition influenced by expectations or prior knowledge.

Context Effects

Perception influenced by immediate surroundings.

Somesthetic Senses

Skin-based senses including touch, temperature, and pain.

Nociceptors

Pain receptors detecting harmful stimuli.

Gate Control Theory

The theory that spinal cord gates control the transmission of pain signals.

Proprioceptors

Sensory neurons that provide awareness of body position and movement.

Vestibular System

Maintains balance through fluid movement in the inner ear.

Gustatory System

The sensory system responsible for the sense of taste.

Olfactory Bulb

The brain region where smell information is processed.

Pheromones

Chemical substances affecting the behavior or physiology of others in the species.

Sensory Interaction

The principle that senses can influence each other.

Kinesthetic Sense

Awareness of body movement and position.

Anosmia

Loss of the sense of smell.