Psychology Module 5

Sensation

The process by which sensory receptors receive stimuli and convert it into neural signals.

Perception

The organization, interpretation, and consciously experienced sensory information.

Absolute Threshold

The minimum amount of stimulus energy needed for detection 50% of the time.

Difference Threshold (JND)

The minimum difference in stimuli required to detect a change.

Weber’s Law

The principle that the difference threshold is a constant fraction of the original stimulus.

Bottom-Up Processing

Processing that begins with stimuli in the environment and builds up to the perception of higher-level features.

Top-Down Processing

Processing influenced by previous experiences and expectations, interpreting sensory information.

Sensory Adaptation

The diminished sensitivity to a stimulus as a result of constant exposure.

Inattentional Blindness

The failure to notice a fully visible but unattended object.

Signal Detection Theory

A theory that explains how we detect signals amidst noise, influenced by experience, expectations, and motivation.

Subliminal Messages

Messages presented below the threshold of conscious awareness.

Cocktail Party Effect

The ability to focus on a specific conversation in a noisy environment.