PSYCH101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 17: Detection Theory, Absolute Threshold, Sensory System

• School: University of Waterloo
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYCH101
• Professor: Richard Ennis

Document Summary

Module 17 basic principles of sensation and perception sensation process by which our sensory receptors and ns receive and represent stimulus energies from our envt. Perception process of organizing and interpreting sensory info, enabling us to recognize meaningful objects/events sensation and perception blend into continuous process; they work together to help us decipher the world around us. 3 steps: receiving, transforming, delivering info to brain. Psychophysics study of rel"ships b/w physical characteristics of stimuli (intensity and our psychological experience of them) Our senses only allow us a restricted awareness of the vast sea of energy, which is just enough for our needs. Absolute thresholds absolute threshold min stimulation needed to detect a particular stimulus (light, sound, pressure, taste, odour) 50% of the time. Not consciously notice them: priming activation, often unconscious, of certain associations, thus predisposing one"s perception, memory, or response, while subliminal sensation is a definite fact, subliminal persuasion is not supported by research.