Sensation and Perception

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to sensation and perception, highlighting the distinctions between various types of processing and the mechanisms behind how we perceive sensory information.

What is the difference between sensation and perception?

Sensation is the raw input received from the senses, while perception is how the brain organizes and interprets that information.

What is top-down processing?

Top-down processing is when expectations influence what we perceive.

What is bottom-up processing?

Bottom-up processing is experiencing raw sensory information without prior expectations.

What is the absolute threshold of sensation?

The absolute threshold is the minimum stimulation needed to register a particular stimulus 50% of the time.

What does Weber's law state?

Weber's law states that we perceive differences based on a logarithmic scale, meaning that the perceived change is proportional to the original stimulus.

What are rods and cones?

Rods are retinal receptors that detect grayscale and are used in peripheral vision, while cones detect fine detail and color.

What is transduction?

Transduction is the process by which sensory receptors convert physical energy (like light or sound) into neural signals that the brain can understand.

What is the difference threshold?

The difference threshold, or just noticeable difference (JND), is the minimum difference in stimulation that a person can detect 50% of the time.

What is signal detection theory?

Signal detection theory is a model that predicts how and when a person will detect weak stimuli, influenced by psychological state, alertness, and context.

What is sensory adaptation?

Sensory adaptation is the process in which our sensory receptors become less sensitive to constant stimuli over time.