AP Psychology Unit 1 (terms 69-96) vocabulary

Front

Sensation

Back

The process by which our sensory receptors and nervous system receive and represent stimulus energies from our environment.

Front

Transduction

Back

Conversion of one form of energy into another. In sensation, the transforming of physical energy, such as sights, sounds, and smells, into neural impulses the brain can interpret.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS3-3

Front

Absolute Threshold

Back

The minimum stimulus energy needed to detect a particular stimulus 50 percent of the time.

Front

Difference Threshold (Just Noticeable Difference)

Back

The minimum difference between two stimuli required for detection 50 percent of the time. We experience the difference threshold as a just noticeable difference.

Front

Weber's Law

Back

The principle that, to be perceived as different, two stimuli must differ by a constant minimum percentage (rather than a constant amount).

Front

Sensory Adaptation

Back

Diminished sensitivity as a consequence of constant stimulation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-8

Front

Lens

Back

The transparent structure behind the pupil that changes shape to help focus images on the retina.

Front

Retina

Back

The light-sensitive back inner surface of the eye, containing the receptor rods and cones plus layers of neurons that begin the processing of visual information.

Front

Accommodation

Back

(1) In sensation and perception, the process by which the eye's lens changes shape to focus images of near or far objects on the retina. (2) In developmental psychology, adapting our current schemas (understandings) to incorporate new information.

Front

Rods

Back

Retinal receptors that detect black, white, and gray, and are sensitive to movement; necessary for peripheral and twilight vision, when cones don't respond.