Sensory Perception and Processing

This collection of flashcards focuses on key concepts related to sensory perception and processing, providing definitions and explanations relevant to the topic.

Binocular Cues

Visual cues that require both eyes, including retinal disparity and convergence.

Monocular Cues

Visual cues that require one eye, including relative size, interposition, relative height, shading and contour, and motion parallax.

Sensory Adaptation

The process by which our sensitivity to a constant stimulus decreases over time.

Weber’s Law

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

Absolute Threshold of Sensation

The minimum intensity of stimulus needed to detect a particular stimulus 50% of the time.

Vestibular System

Part of the inner ear responsible for balance and spatial orientation.

Signal Detection Theory

A theory that quantifies the ability to discern between signal and noise under conditions of uncertainty.

Top-Down Processing

Perception driven by cognition, where expectations and prior knowledge influence understanding.

Bottom-Up Processing

Perception that starts with the sensory input and builds up to perception.

Gestalt Principles

Principles that describe how we organize visual elements in a whole.

Phototransduction Cascade

The process by which photoreceptors convert light into neural signals.

Rods and Cones

Types of photoreceptors in the retina; rods are for night vision, while cones are for color vision.

Long-Term Potentiation

A persistent strengthening of synapses based on recent patterns of activity.

Subliminal Stimuli

Stimuli that are below the threshold of conscious awareness.

Photoreceptor Distribution in Retina

Rods are mostly located in peripheral vision, while cones are concentrated in the fovea.

Empirical Studies

Research studies that are based on actual and observable evidence.

Ambiguous Stimuli

Stimuli that can be interpreted in multiple ways.

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance of a conditioned response after a period of extinction.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A type of psychotherapy that aims to improve mental health by changing cognitive distortions and behaviors.

Social Support

Perception and actual experience that one is cared for, has assistance available, and is part of a supportive social network.

Anomie

A social condition characterized by the breakdown of social norms and values, leading to social instability.

Deindividuation

The loss of self-awareness in group situations, often leading to atypical behaviors.