AP Psychology Unit Three Sensation and Perception

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

the process of organizing and interpreting sensory information, enabling us to recognize meaningful objects and events

analysis that begins with the sensory receptors and works up to the brain's integration of sensory information.

information processing guided by higher-level mental processes, as when we construct perceptions drawing on our experience and expectations.

the focusing of conscious awareness on a particular stimulus.

failing to see visible objects when our attention is directed elsewhere.

failing to notice changes in the environment

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

the activation, often unconsciously, of certain associations, thus predisposing one's perception, memory, or response.

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