PS101 Chapter 4: Chapter 4- Sensation & Perception
Document Summary
Sensation: is the process through which the senses detect visual, auditory, and other sensory stimuli and transmit them to the brain. Perception: is the process by which sensory information is actively organized and interpreted by the brain. Absolute threshold: the difference between not being able to perceive a stimulus and being able to just barely perceive it. The smallest amount of stimulation necessary for you to be able to detect: the minimum amount of sensory stimulation that can be detected 50% of the time. Difference threshold: the smallest increase or decrease in physical stimulus that is required to produce the just noticeable difference (jnd) in sensation that is detectable 50% of the time. Jnd: weber fraction, amount of increase needed to make a difference. If you are carrying 2 kg, 1 additional gram will not a make a difference. If you are carrying only 20 grams, 1 gram will make a difference.