AP Psychology sensation and perception flashcards

What is sensation?

The process of detecting physical energy from the environment and encoding it as neural signals.

What is perception?

The process of organizing and interpreting sensory information, enabling recognition of meaningful objects and events.

Difference between sensation and perception

Sensation involves detection; perception is interpretation.

True or false: Sensation and perception always occur together.

False, because sensation can occur without perception (e.g., reflexes).

Fill in the blank: The ________ is the minimum stimulation needed to detect a particular stimulus.

absolute threshold

What is the difference between absolute threshold and difference threshold?

Absolute threshold is the minimum level of stimulus needed for detection, while difference threshold (just noticeable difference) is the minimum difference needed to detect a change.

Question: What does the term 'sensory adaptation' refer to?

The diminished sensitivity to a stimulus as a consequence of constant exposure.

True or false: Our perceptions are always accurate reflections of reality.

False, because perceptions can be influenced by biases and context.

What is the role of the thalamus in sensation?

The thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information, directing it to the appropriate areas of the brain.

Define 'top-down processing'.

Top-down processing is the interpretation of sensory input based on existing knowledge, experiences, and expectations.

Define 'bottom-up processing'.

Bottom-up processing starts with sensory input and builds up to perception, without preconceived notions.

What is the Gestalt principle of closure?

The tendency to perceive incomplete figures as complete forms.

Fill in the blank: ________ refers to the ability to detect the difference between two stimuli.

Just noticeable difference (JND)

Which sense is primarily responsible for balance?

The vestibular sense, located in the inner ear.

What is selective attention?

The ability to focus on a particular object in the environment for a certain period.

True or false: Color perception is solely determined by the wavelength of light.

False, because color perception is also influenced by context and surrounding colors.

What are the three types of cones in the human eye?

Short (blue), medium (green), and long (red) wavelength cones.

Difference between monocular and binocular cues

Monocular cues require one eye (e.g., relative size), while binocular cues require two (e.g., retinal disparity).

What does the term 'perceptual set' mean?

A mental predisposition to perceive one thing and not another.

What is the function of the cornea?

The cornea helps focus light onto the retina and provides most of the eye's optical power.