Sensation

Question 1

Sensation

Answer 1

senses detect and send information to our brain

Question 2

Absolute threshold

Answer 2

-marks the difference between experiencing a sensation or not
-the MINIMUM amount of sensory stimulation detectable (ex: you can see something 48km away but not 49 km away.)

Question 3

Difference threshold

Answer 3

-smallest increase/decrease in stimulation to produce a just NOTICEABLE DIFFERENCE. (smallest change in sensation). (ex: adding weight in your hand; the moment you notice it got heavier)
-how much you need to add or remove to feel a change
-Weber’s law= the greater the original stimulus, the more it must be increased/decreased to notice a difference

Question 4

Transduction

Answer 4

-sense organs have sensory receptors
-process: receptors change sensory stimulation into neural impulses, sent to brain, which we sense

Question 5

Sensory adaptation

Answer 5

becoming accustomed to unchanging, constant stimuli; firing rate of neurons slows (ex: not noticing the smell of your home), lets you focus attention elsewhere, not for strong stimuli