Sensation and Perception

Schema

a framework that interprets information

Concept

a mental grouping of similar objects, events, ideas, or people

Prototype

The ideal or best example for a category (bird —> duck instead of finch)

Perceptual Sets

A mental predisposition or readiness to perceive a stimulus in a particular way

Closure

The automatic filling of gaps to creates an object/figure

Figure/Ground

organizing a visual scene into a main object (figure) and its surroundings (ground)

Proximity

Grouping items that are close together

Similarity

grouping items that share the same size/shape/color

Monocular Cues

visual depth cues that can be processed with just one eye

Relative Size

When two object are the same size, the one that appears smaller is interpreted as farther. The one that is larger is seen as closer.

Linear Perspective

parallel lines appear to converge as they recede into the distance

Interposition

One object partially blocks or overlaps another object, your brain perceives the blocking object as closer and the blocked object as farther away

Relative Clarity

Texture Gradient

A pattern appears detailed up close and gradually becomes denser and less distinct with distance

Binocular Cues

The brain compares slightly different images from each retina (eyes are 2.5 in apart). The greater the difference, the closer the object is.

Perceptual Constancy

When the brain interprets two same shapes/colors as different due to conditions (lighting, angle, distance)

Bottom-Up Processing

Starts at the sensory receptors and works up to the higher levels of processing to percive something

Top-Down Processing

creates perceptions from previous experiences and knowledge to interpret sensory information

Transduction

The process of turning environmental stimuli into neural impulses.

Absolute Threshold

The minimum amount of stimuli needed for people to detect a stimulus. What you can detect 50% of the time.

Difference Threshold (Just Noticeable Difference / JND)

The ability to detect differences in stimulation levels. (smallest change in volume)

Weber’s Law

it is more difficult to detect the Difference Threshold in high stimulus vs low stimulus. (taking 10 from 20 vs 200)

Signal Detection Theory

The detection of a stimulus depends on the intensity of the stimulus and the attention of the person. (how strong they are and how much we are paying attention)

Subliminal Stimulation

Any stimuli that you cannot detect 50% of the time and is below the absolute threshold.

Priming

exposure to one stimulus unconsciously influences how you respond to a another stimulus

Sensory Adaptation

When constantly exposed to a stimuli we get accustomed to it so our nerves perceive it less.

Inattentional Blindness

the failure to see other object when our attention is directed towards one thing