Sensation and Perception Flashcards

Flashcards about Sensation and Perception

Sensation

The basic process of sensation involves energy being detected by receptor cells, which then convert this energy into neural signals that the brain can interpret.

The Basic Process of Sensation

Energy is transformed into a neural signal that the brain interprets, following the pathway: Energy → Receptor cell → Neural signal → Brain.

Sensation

Refers to the process of detecting physical energy from the environment and converting it into neural signals.

Perception

The interpretation of neural signals, allowing us to understand and interact with the world around us.

Sensory Thresholds

Refer to the minimum levels of stimulus intensity required for detection.

Absolute Threshold

The smallest amount of stimulus energy that can be detected 50% of the time. Example: Just being able to detect a candle light from 5km away

Difference Threshold (Just noticeable difference)

The minimum difference in stimulation that a person can detect 50% of the time. Example: noticing the volume getting quieter

Weber's Law

States that the change needed to notice a difference in stimulus is a constant proportion of the original stimulus.