Sensation & Perception Flashcards
Define perception
When the brain organizes and interprets information sent by the sensory organs.
Define sensation
When sensory organs absorb sensory information from a physical stimulus in the environment.
Define attention
The process of directing and focusing psychological resources to enhance perception.
Define memory
The organization, retrieval and storage of information.
What are aspects of visual illusions that can be misjudged consistently over time? (5)
1) length/ distance
2) position
3) motion
4) spatial distance
5) size or length
Describe the Stroop Effect
When reading words, attention is given to both color and meaning. When COLOR and MEANING are in conflict, the brain has to choose which information to focus,
(MEANING usually takes precedence)
Describe the Muller-Lyer illusion
Two lines of equal length with inward or outward pointing tips appear to be of different lengths. Psychologists say this is because of experience. One looks as if it were a corner of a room from the inside and the other from the outside. Because of our 3D cues, lines look as if they are of different lengths when they are not.
Why do psychologists study illusion? (3)
1) It tells us how humans perceive the world
2) Allows us to MANIPULATE behavior by exploiting the processes that underlie illusions
3) Enables psychologists to describe perception processes and understand the sensory environment
Define waking consciousness
When we are alert, aware and responsive to internal and external signals.
Define selective attention
When we give priority to some stimuli over others.
Define divided attention
When mental effort must be divided between tasks and stimuli, which demand more or less the same amount of effort.
Define habituation
When predictable or unchanging stimuli fail to command attention (e.g. Ticking of a clock)
Define dishabituation
When a change in the stimulation is so intense it causes us to pay attention.
Define altered states of consciousness
Any state of consciousness where there is a marked difference in levels of awareness.
What are the different methods of measuring states of consciousness
1) Electroencephalogram (EEG)
2) Heart rate
3) Body temperature
4) Galvanic Skin response
