Chapter 1: Sensation and Perception

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to sensation and perception as introduced in Chapter 1.

Sensation

The process of detecting physical stimuli, such as light or sound, through sensory receptors.

Perception

The act of interpreting and organizing sensory information to give it meaning.

Transduction

The conversion of physical signals into neural responses.

Absolute Threshold

The minimum intensity of a stimulus that can be detected 50% of the time.

Difference Threshold (Just Noticeable Difference - JND)

The smallest amount of change in a stimulus that can be detected.

Signal Detection Theory

A framework to understand how we make decisions under conditions of uncertainty regarding the presence of a stimulus.

Weber's Law

The principle stating that the size of the just noticeable difference (JND) is a constant proportion of the level of the stimulus.

Fechner's Law

A mathematical relationship that describes how perceived intensity increases less quickly than the actual physical stimulus.

Stevens's Power Law

A formulation of the relationship between stimulus intensity and perception that includes exponents to adjust for various types of stimuli.

Neuroimaging

Techniques used to visualize the structure and function of the brain, such as MRI and EEG.

Cranial Nerves

The 12 pairs of nerves that originate in the brain and are responsible for sensory and motor functions.

Computational Models

Mathematical representations used to understand and predict perceptual processes.

Artificial Neural Networks

Computational frameworks that are inspired by the biological neural networks and learn patterns from data.

BOLD Signal

Blood oxygen level-dependent signal used in fMRI to measure brain activity.

Multisensory Integration

The process by which the brain combines information from different senses.

Interoception

The sense of the physiological condition of the body, including hunger and thirst.

Thresholds

The minimum levels of stimulus intensity necessary to detect or discriminate stimuli.