PSYC 2000 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Neural Adaptation, Color Vision, Habituation
Document Summary
To represent the world, we must detect physical energy (stimuli) from the environment and convert it into neural signals, a process called sensation. Sensation occurs when special receptors in the sense organs are activated, allowing various forms of outside stimuli to become neural signals in the brain. This process of converting outside stimuli into neural activity is called transduction- sensory receptors are . When we select, organize, and interpret our sensations, the process is called perception. Perception occurs when we give meaning to our sensations, interpreting them so we can detect or distinguish between them. Absolute threshold: minimum stimulation needed to detect a particular stimulus 50% of the time. Difference threshold: minimum difference between two stimuli required for detection. 50% of the time, also called just noticeable difference (jnd). In humans, difference thresholds (experienced as a just noticeable difference) are at a constant ratio to original stimulus.
