AP Psychology - Sensation and Perception Vocab Flashcard

Front

Minimum difference between any two stimuli that a person can detect 50% of the time.

Back

Difference threshold

Front

The weakest level of a stimulus that can be correctly detected at least 50% of the time.

Back

absolute threshold

Front

Focusing conscious awareness on a particular stimulus.

Back

selective attention

Front

Information processing that begins with sensory receptors and works up into the brain.

Back

bottom up processing

Front

Receiving messages below one's absolute threshold for conscious awareness.

Back

subliminal stimulation

Front

Difference thresholds increase in proportion to the size of the stimulus. What is this principle called? Options: Difference threshold, Weber's law, Absolute threshold

Back

Weber's law

Front

Temporary decrease in sensitivity to a stimulus that occurs when stimulation is unchanging. (nose blindness - like when you don't notice a musty smell after a few minutes)

Back

sensory adaptation

Front

What is the term for information processing guided by your pre-existing knowledge or expectations to construct perceptions? Options: top down processing, Bottom up processing, parallel processing

Back

top down processing

Front

The process by which your ears convert sound waves to neural impulses is called...

Back

Transduction

Front

While waiting in line at Starbucks, Kramer was playing games on his cell phone and subsequently failed to see the customer in front of him rob the cashier. This is an example of...

Back

inattentional blindness