Absolute Threshold

Absolute Threshold Defined

• The minimum amount of stimulus energy a person can detect.
• It's the dimmest light, faintest sound, or softest touch a person can perceive.
• Stimuli below this threshold are undetectable; above it, they are detectable.

Variability of Absolute Threshold

• Absolute threshold is not a fixed point; it varies for an individual over time.
• Detection percentage increases as stimulus intensity (e.g., proximity to sound) increases.

Psychological Definition

• Psychologists define the absolute threshold as the point at which an individual detects a stimulus $50\%$ of the time.

Individual Differences

• Absolute thresholds vary among individuals (e.g., some have better hearing or vision).
• Different people will have different absolute thresholds for the same stimulus.