Psychology 1000 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Interposition, Sound Localization, Binocular Disparity

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 1000
• Professor: John Campbell

Document Summary

Sensation the stimulus-detection process by which our sense organs respond to and translate environmental stimuli into nerve impulses that are sent to the brain. Perception active process of organizing the stimulus input and giving it meaning. Transduction- is the process whereby the characteristics of a stimulus are converted into nerve impulses. Psychophysics- studies relations between the physical characteristics of stimuli and sensory capabilities. Stimulus detection absolute threshold designated as the lowest intensity at which a stimulus can be detected 50% of the time. Signal detection theory concerned with the factors that influence sensory judgments. Decision criterion standard of how certain a person must be that a stimulus is present before they will say they detect it. Increased rewards for noticing stimuli often results in lower detection thresholds. Increased danger/punishment for noticing stimuli often raises detection threshold. Difference threshold smallest difference between two stimuli that can be perceived 50% of the time (just noticeable difference jnd)