Module 1.6a Sensation: Basic Concepts

This is known as BOTTOM-UP processing because it begins with your senses.

• sensation

• perception

• audition

• selective attention

This is known as TOP-DOWN processing because our BRAIN influences the stimuli.

• sensation

• perception

• audition

• selective attention

TRANSFORMING energy into neural messages that our BRAIN can understand.

• transduction

• selective attention

• psychophysics

• sensation adaptation

The MINIMUM STIMULATION to FIRST NOTICE a stimulus is called

• absolute threshold

• difference threshold

• subliminal

• signal detection theory

This is just BELOW someone's ABSOLUTE THRESHOLD for conscious awareness.

• absolute threshold

• difference threshold

• subliminal

• signal detection theory

This states there is NO ABSOLUTE THRESHOLD. Instead, you notice a stimulus because of expectations, alertness, experiences, etc.

• absolute threshold

• difference threshold

• subliminal

• signal detection theory

The MINIMUM CHANGE required to notice the difference between TWO stimuli.

• absolute threshold

• difference threshold

• subliminal

• signal detection theory

DIFFERENCE THRESHOLD is also known as

• absolute threshold

• just noticeable difference

• inattentional difference

• signal detection theory

WEBER'S LAW states that to notice a difference it matters on the

• percentage of change

• amount of change

• one's expectations

This explains why you don't notice the smell of your house, but you notice the smell of everyone else's houses.

• sensory adaptation

• inattentional blindness

• change blindness

• absolute threshould