Sensation and Perception

Question 1

Absolute Threshold

Answer 1

A (lowest) point at which a stimulus can detected 50 percent of the time;
Used to determine sensory threshold

Question 2

Difference Threshold (JND)

Answer 2

Minimum change in stimulation that can be reliably detected 50 percent of the time

Question 3

Signal Detection Theory

Answer 3

Detection of a faint stimulus in the presence of background stimulation

Question 4

Sensory Adaptation

Habituation

Answer 4

Diminished sensitivity as a result of constant stimulation; decline in receptor activity when stimulus is unchanging

Question 5

Sensory Processing Disorder

Answer 5

High- need more stimuli to react; sensation seeking
Low- sensitive to stimuli; avoid sensory experiences

Question 6

Subliminal

Answer 6

Not perceived consciously

Question 7

Fechner’s Law

Answer 7

German Physiologist Gustav Theodore Fechner
Change in a stimulus that will be just noticeable is a constant ratio of the original stimulus (JND is proportional to background stimulus)

Question 8

Weber’s Law

Answer 8

German Physician Ernst Weber
Comparison of sense sensitivities

Question 9

Glomeruli

Answer 9

Substances involved in the initial processing of scents

Question 10

Anosmia

Answer 10

Condition where one loses sense of smell

Question 11

Pheromones

Answer 11

Naturally occurring odorants that send signal to other organisms

Question 12

Place Theory

Answer 12

Neurons determine pitch by noting the location on the basilar
membrane where the messages are strongest.