AP Psychology Ch.5

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 sense receptors and works up to the brains integration of sensory information.

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

The study of relationships between the physical characteristics of stimuli, such as their intensity, and our psychological experience of them.

The minimum stimulation needed to detect a particular stimulus 50% of the time

A theory prediction how and when we detect the presence of a faint stimulus "signal" amid background stimulation "noise".
-Assumes detection depends partly on a persons experience, expectations, motivation, and level of fatigue.

Below one's absolute threshold for conscious awareness

The minimum difference between 2 stimuli required for detection 50% of the time. "noticeable difference".

The principle that, to be perceived as different, 2 stimuli must differ by a constant minimum percentage.

Diminished sensitivity as a consequence of constant stimulation.

Conversion of one form of energy in to another. In sensation, the transforming of stimulus energies in to neural impulses.

The distance from one wave peak to another

The dimension of color that is determined by the wavelength of light.

The amount of energy in a light or sound wave, which we perceive as brightness or loudness, as determined by the waves amplitude.