1. SENSATION AND PERCEPTION
Sensation: the stimulation of sensory receptors
Perception: the psychological process through which we interpret sensory information
We taste the lemon (sensation) and interpret it as sour (perception)

2. ABSOLUTE THRESHOLD The weakest amount of a stimulus that can be sensed
Vision: a candle flame viewed from a distance of about 30 miles on a dark night
Hearing: the ticking of a watch from about 20 feet away in a quiet room

3. ABSOLUTE THRESHOLD
Smell: about one drop of perfume diffused throughout a small house
Taste: about one teaspoon of sugar dissolved in 2 gallons of water
Touch: the wing of a fly falling on a cheek from a distance of .4 inches

4. Difference Threshold: minimum amount of difference that can be detected between two stimuli
Signal Detection Theory: method of distinguishing sensory stimuli that takes into account not only strengths but also setting, physical state, and attitude
Piano recital

5. Sensory Adaptation: process by which we become more sensitive to weak stimuli and less sensitive to unchanging stimuli
Aromas and odors in others’ houses