Sensation and Perception, Memory Models and Failures

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to sensation, perception, memory models, and memory failures.

Sensation

Detecting physical stimuli and transmission of that information to the brain.

Transduction

The process by which sensory stimuli are converted to neural signals the brain can interpret.

Perception

The brain’s further processing, organization, and interpretation of sensory information.

Absolute Threshold

The minimum intensity of stimulation that must occur before you experience a sensation.

Difference Threshold

The smallest difference between two stimuli that you can notice, also known as just noticeable difference.

Sensory Adaptation

A decrease in sensitivity to a constant level of stimulation.

Habituation

A decrease in behavioral response after repeated exposure to a stimulus.

Bottom Up Processing

The processing of sensory information as it is coming in, focusing on the details.

Top Down Processing

The processing of sensory information that is influenced by previous knowledge and expectations.

Binocular Depth Perception

Cues of depth perception that arise from the fact that people have two eyes.

Monocular Depth Perception

Cues of depth perception that are available to each eye alone.

Sensory Memory

A temporary memory system tied to sensory systems that lasts only a fraction of a second.

Short-Term Memory

The active stage of memory that holds information for a limited duration, usually 20 to 30 seconds.

Long Term Memory

A type of memory that has a potentially unlimited capacity and duration that can last from minutes to a lifetime.

Amnesia

Loss of memory due to injury or trauma that prevents the formation or recall of memories.

Absentmindedness

A lapse in attention leading to memory failure, often due to not fully paying attention.

Misattribution

Mixing up the source of a memory, confusing where or how you learned certain information.

Bias

The tendency for current beliefs or emotions to reshape memories and influence recall.

Suggestibility

The alteration of memories due to outside information or influence.