Sensation and Perception Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts related to sensation and perception, including definitions, psychological tests, and the structure of the eye.

What is sensation?

The process by which we receive information through the 5 sense organs: eyes, ears, nose, skin, tongue.

What is perception?

The process by which we derive meaning from sensations.

What is the Rorschach Ink Blot Test?

A projective test that uses ambiguous inkblot stimuli to analyze a person's thoughts and feelings.

Define projective test.

A task where the stimuli is vague, allowing the information applied to the stimuli to be created by the respondent.

What is the absolute threshold?

The smallest amount of stimulus that a person can detect 50% of the time.

What is the just noticeable difference (JND)?

The smallest amount of change that can be detected, which is always a proportion of the original stimulus.

What is the function of the cornea?

It is the transparent protective covering on the eye’s surface.

What is the function of the pupil?

The black opening in the center of the eye that allows light to enter, with its size regulated by the iris.

What is the role of the iris in the eye?

The colored, circular muscle that regulates the size of the pupil.

What is the Gestalt Law of Proximity?

The closer objects are, the more likely they will be perceived as a group.

What is the Gestalt Law of Similarity?

The more similar objects are, the more likely they will be seen as a group.

What do the Gestalt Laws of Continuity and Closure pertain to?

They describe how our minds perceive visual elements as belonging together or completing shapes.