Psych 2 Unit 1 Vocab

The process by which sensory systems (eyes, ears, and other sensory organs) and the nervous system receive stimuli from our environment.

• Sensation
• Top-Down Processing
• Perception
• Bottom-Up Processing

Information processing that analyzes the raw stimuli entering through the many sensory systems.

• Bottom-Up Processing
• Sensation
• Top-Down Processing
• Perception

The process of organizing and interpreting incoming sensory information.

• Perception
• Bottom-Up Processing
• Sensation
• Top-Down Processing

Information processing that draws on expectations and experiences to interpret incoming sensory information.

• Top-Down Processing
• Perception
• Bottom-Up Processing
• Sensation

The minimum amount of stimulation needed to detect a particular stimulus.

• Absolute Threshold
• Sensory Adaptation
• Signal Detection Theory
• Difference Threshold

The minimum amount of difference needed to detect that two stimuli are not the same.

• Difference Threshold
• Absolute Threshold
• Sensory Adaptation
• Signal Detection Theory

A theory that predicts how and when we detect the presence of a faint stimulus (signal) amid background stimulation (noise).

• Signal Detection Theory
• Difference Threshold
• Absolute Threshold
• Sensory Adaptation

Diminished sensitivity to constant and unchanging stimulation.

• Sensory Adaptation
• Signal Detection Theory
• Difference Threshold
• Absolute Threshold

Focusing conscious awareness on a particular stimulus to the exclusion of others.

• Selective Attention
• Opponent-Process Theory
• Trichromatic Theory
• Blind Spot

The clear, curved bulge on the front of the eye that bends light rays to begin focusing them.

• Cornea
• Selective Attention
• Opponent-Process Theory
• Trichromatic Theory