Ch.2: Research Methodology

Question 1

Absolute Threshold

Answer 1

smallest stimulus you can detect

Question 2

Just Noticeable Differences / Difference Threshold

Answer 2

the smallest difference between two stimuli that a person can detect

Question 3

Conservative response

Answer 3

might detect the stimulus, but are afraid of making a false alarm, so you wait until it gets so strong that you are certain

Question 4

Libaral response

Answer 4

when you do not detect the stimulus, but are afraid of a miss, so you respond early, before your actual threshold

Question 5

Gustav Theodor Fechner

Answer 5

stablished the methodological foundations of experimental psychology; Method of Constant Stimuli, Method of Limits, Method of Adjustment

Question 6

Methods of Constant Stimuli

Answer 6

Very similar to method of limits, except items are presented in a random order

Question 7

Method of Limits

Answer 7

Present changes of intensity in ascending order, then descending, then ascending, etc., Participant says yes I can hear/see/smell/taste/feel it or no I can’t, Cross-over point is area where up and down meet

Question 8

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Answer 8

monitor the electrical output of large numbers of neurons in the brain and specifies spatial locations in the brain.

Question 9

Magnetoencephalography (MEG)

Answer 9

magnetic sensors detect magnetic fields produced by the electrical activity in the brain

Question 10

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

Answer 10

as blood flows into areas of the brain, the molecules’ organization is disrupted, which can be detected by sensor