Chapter_7_-_Perception

Misperception

Misperception

A failure to accurately interpret sensory stimuli.

Sensation

The awareness resulting from the stimulation of a sense organ.

Perception

The organization and interpretation of sensory information.

Ecological approach

A perspective in psychology that focuses on the interaction between individuals and their environment.

Transduction

The conversion of physical stimuli into neural impulses.

Photoreceptor cells

Specialized cells in the retina (rods and cones) that detect light.

Sensation Threshold

The minimum intensity of stimulus that can be detected.

Absolute threshold

The smallest level of intensity of a stimulus that can be detected 50% of the time.

Difference threshold (Just Noticeable Difference, JND)

The minimum difference between two stimuli required for detection 50% of the time.

Weber's Law

The principle stating that the JND of a stimulus is a constant proportion of the original intensity of the stimulus.

Signal Detection Theory

A theory that explains how we detect signals amidst noise, incorporating psychological factors.

Subliminal stimuli

Stimuli that exist below the threshold of conscious awareness.

Subliminal advertising

A controversial marketing technique that uses subliminal messages to influence consumer behavior.

Human factors psychology

The study of how humans interact with machines and technology, aiming to improve usability.

Sensory interaction

The integration of sensory modalities, enhancing overall perception.

Selective attention

The focusing of conscious awareness on a particular stimulus, while ignoring others.

Sensory adaptation

A decrease in sensitivity to a constant stimulus over time.

Perceptual constancy

The tendency to perceive an object as unchanging despite changes in sensory input.

Cognitive illusions

Misinterpretations of sensory stimuli based on prior knowledge and expectations.

Binocular depth cues

Depth cues that require the use of both eyes for perception.

Monocular depth cues

Depth cues that can be perceived with only one eye.