Ch. 4 Sensation Perception PP

Sensation

Process by which sensory receptors and nervous system receive and represent stimulus energy (Bottom-Up Processing).

Perception

Selection, organization, and interpretation of sensory input, enabling recognition of meaningful objects (Top-Down Processing).

Absolute Threshold

Minimum stimulus intensity detected 50% of the time.

Just Noticeable Difference (JND)

Smallest difference between two stimuli detectable 50% of the time.

Weber’s Law

JND is proportionate to the size of the initial stimulus.

Signal-Detection Theory

Involves sensory and decision processes where observers respond with 'yes' (hit) or 'no' (miss).

Feature Detectors

Neurons that respond to specific features like lines and edges, essential for complex visual processing.

Place Theory

Different pitches correspond to vibrations at specific locations on the basilar membrane.

Gustation

Taste involves soluble chemicals affecting taste buds and pathways to the brain.

Olfaction

Smell detects airborne chemicals via receptors, following a distinct pathway to the brain.

Transduction

Conversion of sensory input to neural impulses for brain processing.

Gestalt Principles of Perception

Emphasizes the whole context of perception, including principles like figure-ground and proximity.

Binocular Cues

Depth perception via retinal disparity and convergence.

Depth Perception

Visual Cliff Studies suggest it can be learned through experience.

Optical Illusion

A visual phenomenon where the perception of an image differs from reality, often caused by the way the brain processes visual information.