Sensation

Sensation

The process by which sensory organs detect stimuli from the environment and send raw information to the brain as neural impulses.

Psychophysics

The study of the relationship between physical stimuli and our conscious experience of those stimuli.

Receptor Cells

Specialized cells in the sensory organs that detect specific types of stimuli (light, sound, pressure, chemicals) and begin the sensory process.

Transduction

The process by which receptor cells convert sensory stimuli into neural impulses that the brain can interpret.

Absolute Threshold

The minimum amount of stimulation needed to detect a stimulus 50% of the time.

Difference Threshold (Just Noticeable Difference – JND)

The smallest change in a stimulus that can be detected 50% of the time.

Sensory Adaptation

The decreased sensitivity to a constant stimulus over time.

Signal Detection Theory

A theory explaining that detecting a stimulus depends on the stimulus itself, background noise, and the individual’s expectations and condition.

Transduction

Converting stimulus energy into neural signals.

Signal Detection

The process of identifying a stimulus amid background noise.

Difference Threshold

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

Just Noticeable Difference (JND)

The smallest change in a stimulus that can be detected.

Psychophysics

The study of how physical stimuli are perceived consciously.

Sensation

The raw detection of environmental stimuli by sensory organs.

Sensation vs. Perception

Sensation is about detecting stimuli, while perception is interpreting what the stimuli mean.

Neural Impulses

Electrochemical signals sent by sensory organs to the brain.

Transduction

The conversion of physical energy into neural impulses.

Sensory Organs

Organs that detect stimuli, including eyes, ears, skin, nose, and tongue.

Background Noise

Other stimuli that can interfere with the detection of a primary stimulus.

Adaptation

Adjusting to a constant stimulus, leading to decreased sensitivity.

Electrical Signals

Type of signals sent from sensory organs to the brain.

Detecting Stimuli

The primary function of sensation.

Physical Stimuli

Real-world inputs such as light, sound, pressure, and chemicals.

Characteristics of Stimuli

Includes strength, intensity, and clarity.

Chromatic Adaptation

The ability to adjust to changes in background lighting.

Expectations

Predispositions that influence detection of stimuli.

Neural Response

The brain’s interpretation of signals received from sensory receptors.

Intensity of Sound

How strong a sound is perceived.

Contrast in Stimuli

How distinct a stimulus is from its surroundings.

Adaptation Response

Decreased reaction to continuous stimuli.

Voltage Change Detection

The neural process that detects changes in stimuli.

Environmental Stimulation

The presence of external stimuli affecting sensory perception.

Perceptual Processing

How the brain interprets sensory information.

Stimulus Characteristics

Attributes of stimuli that affect detection.

Perceptual Expectation

Ready mindset for anticipating particular sensory experiences.

Intensity and Detection

Stronger stimuli are more easily detected.

Neural Pathways

Routes along which neural impulses travel.

Continuous Stimulus

A stimulus that remains constant over time.

Fatigue and Sensitivity

How tiredness affects perception of stimuli.

Cultural Influences

How societal background shapes perception.

Signal Detection Factors

Characteristics of the signal, background noise, and the detector.

Threshold Definition

Limits of perception and detection.

Conscious Experience

Awareness and interpretation of sensory input.

Sensation vs. Perception

Distinction between the detection and interpretation of stimuli.

Neural Signals

Biologic means of communicating sensory information.

Color Vision

Perception of different wavelengths of light.

Sound Detection

Interpreting vibrations in the air as sound.

Phantom Noise

Perception of sound without an actual auditory stimulus.

Novel Stimuli

New or unusual stimuli that capture attention.

JND Application

Application of Just Noticeable Difference in measuring perception.

Psychophysical Measurement

Quantifying the relationship between stimulus intensity and perception.

Sensory Attention

Focus on certain stimuli while ignoring others.

Physiological Responses

The body's reaction to sensory stimulation.

Cognitive Expectation

Mental anticipations affecting sensory perception.

Background Environmental Noise

Sound interference affecting stimulus detection.

Environmental Adaptation

Adjusting sensory perception to constant stimuli.

Excitability Levels

Sensitivity of sensory receptors in various conditions.

Stimulus Clarity

How clearly a stimulus can be perceived.

Nerve Impulses

The basic units of communication in the nervous system.

Sensation Process

The pathway from stimulus detection to perception.

Physical Stimulus Properties

Attributes such as size and quality that affect detection.

Neural Adaptation

when sensory neurons decrease their firing rate after continuous or repeated stimulation.