Transduction: transformation of stimulus energy to the electrochemical energy of neural impulses
Sensing
- Absolute threshold: the weakest perceived stimulus, perceived 50% of the time
- Difference threshold: minimum difference between two stimuli detected 50% of the time.
- Just noticeable difference: experience of the difference threshold
- Weber’s law: difference thresholds increase in proportion to the size of the stimulus
Sensory adaptation (habituation): diminished sensitivity after repeatedly exposed to a stimulus
Signal detection theory: minimum threshold varies with fatigue, attention, expectations, motivation, emotional distress, and from one person to another
Subliminal stimulation:receiving messages below one’s absolute threshold for conscious awareness
Synesthesia: when one sense (e.g., taste) is simultaneously perceived with other senses such as sight; evidence for sensory interaction