Sensation in Psychology

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to sensation as discussed in the psychology lecture.

Sensation

The process of detecting information from the environment and transducing stimuli into neurochemical messages for processing in the brain.

Just-Noticeable Difference

The minimum difference in stimulus intensity that a person can detect 50% of the time.

Weber's Law

The principle stating that the size of the just-noticeable difference is a constant proportion of the original stimulus intensity.

Sensory Adaptation

The process by which sensory receptors become less sensitive to constant stimuli over time.

Synesthesia

An experience of sensation in which one sensory system is experienced through another, such as seeing colors when hearing music.

Visual Sensory System

The system that processes visual information, involving structures like the cornea, pupil, lens, and retina.

Cones

Photoreceptors in the retina responsible for fine detail and color vision.

Rods

Photoreceptors in the retina primarily responsible for low-light or peripheral vision.

Transduction

The process of converting light energy into neurochemical energy for perception.

Trichromatic Theory

A theory of color perception that proposes cones detect color through combinations of red, green, and blue receptors.

Opponent Process Theory

A theory explaining color vision that posits some receptors eliminate opposing colors in the retina.

Audition

The process by which sound waves are perceived, involving structures of the outer, middle, and inner ear.

Sound Localization

The brain's ability to determine the location of a sound source based on timing and intensity differences in sound waves.

Pheromones

Chemical signals released by an individual that affect the behavior or physiology of other members of the same species.

Gustation

The sense of taste, which detects different flavors through taste buds on the tongue.

Kinesthesia

Our sense of position regarding our body and body parts, allowing coordinated movement without visual cues.

Nociceptors

Sensory receptors that respond to harmful stimuli, detecting pain.

Gate-Control Theory

A theory that explains the perception of pain as being moderated by small and large nerve fibers that can block or allow pain signals to travel to the brain.