Sensation and Perception - Psychology 2e

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to sensation and perception in psychology, based on the lecture notes.

Sensation

The process by which sensory receptors detect stimuli and convert that energy into neural signals.

Transduction

The conversion of physical energy from a stimulus into a neural signal.

Absolute threshold

The minimum amount of stimulus energy that must be present for the stimulus to be detected 50% of the time.

Just noticeable difference (JND)

The minimum difference in stimuli required to detect a change or difference between stimuli.

Bottom-up processing

A processing approach where perceptions are built from sensory input.

Top-down processing

A processing approach where interpretation of sensations is influenced by prior knowledge and experiences.

Sensory adaptation

The diminished sensitivity to a stimulus as a consequence of constant exposure to that stimulus.

Inattentional blindness

The failure to notice something that is fully visible because of a lack of attention.

Signal detection theory

The theory that the detection of a stimulus depends on both the intensity of the stimulus and the psychological state of the individual.

Müller-Lyer illusion

An optical illusion where two lines appear different in length despite being the same.

Amplitude

The height of a wave, which relates to the intensity or loudness of sound.

Wavelength

The distance between successive peaks of a wave, which is related to frequency.

Frequency

The number of waves that pass a given point in a given time period, affecting the pitch of sound.

Photoreceptors

Cells in the retina that detect light, including rods and cones.

Opponent-process theory

The theory that color perception is controlled by the activity of opposing neural processes.

Depth perception

The ability to perceive spatial relationships in three dimensions.

Sound localization

The ability to identify the origin of a sound in a three-dimensional space.

Taste (gustation)

The sensory process that detects flavors through taste buds.

Smell (olfaction)

The process of sensing odors through olfactory receptors.

Nociception

The sensory signal indicating potential harm and pain.

Proprioception

The perception of body position and movement.

Kinesthesia

The perception of movement of the body.

Gestalt principles of perception

Rules that describe how the brain organizes visual elements into groups or unified wholes.