AP PSYCH - Unit 3

Psychophysics

The study of the relationship between physical stimuli and the sensations and perceptions they create.

Necker Cube

An optical illusion that produces two different perceptions from the same stimulus.

Sensory transduction

The process by which receptors convert physical energy into nerve impulses.

Exteroception

Perception derived from the five senses; information from the external environment.

Introception

Perception from inside the body; internal signals.

Selective attention

The process of directing focus toward specific stimuli while ignoring others.

Feature detectors

Specialized neurons in the brain that respond to specific features of stimuli.

Cocktail party effect

The ability to focus auditory attention on a particular stimulus while filtering out other stimuli.

Absolute threshold

The smallest level of stimulus that can be detected at least 50% of the time.

Just Noticeable Difference (JND)

The smallest difference between two stimuli that can be detected 50% of the time.

Weber's Law

The principle that the ability to notice a change in a stimulus is proportional to the intensity of that stimulus.

Bottom up processing

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

Top down processing

Perception driven by prior knowledge, experiences, and expectations.

Sensory Adaptation

The process by which our sensitivity diminishes over time to constant stimuli.

Subliminal threshold

The level of stimulus below which a person is not consciously aware.

Cornea

The outer layer of the eye that helps focus light.

Photoreceptor

Cells in the retina that detect light; includes rods and cones.

Trichromatic theory

Theory stating that color vision is based on the activation of three types of cones sensitive to red, green, and blue.

Opponent processing theory

Theory that color perception is controlled by pairs of opposing colors.

Anosmia

Inability to detect odors.

Hyposmia

Reduced ability to detect odors.

Nociceptors

Sensory receptors that respond to pain and other harmful stimuli.

Gate control theory of pain

Theory suggesting that pain signals can be blocked or opened in the spinal cord.

Phantom pain

The sensation of pain perceived in a body part that has been amputated.

Somatic pain

Pain that originates from skin, muscles, or joints.

Psychosomatic pain

Pain influenced by emotional, psychological, or behavioral factors.

Kinesthesis

The sense of body position and movement.

Vestibular sense

The sensory system that contributes to balance and spatial orientation.

Gustatory Hairs

Cells that extend into taste pores and interact with food molecules.

Taste vs. Flavor

Taste is the basic neurochemical process, while flavor includes sensory experiences.

Tinnitus

Perception of noise or ringing in the ears when no external sound is present.