1. Sensation and Perception
The Basics
Chapter 4 Section 1

2. What is Sensation
Stimulation of sensory receptors and the transmission of sensory information to the central nervous system.
What we see, taste, feel, smell and hear.

3. What is Perception
The psychological process through which we interpret sensory stimulation.
Making sense of what we see, taste, feel, smell and hear.

4. As each slide scrolls, write a brief description about each picture.
ZOOM ART
As each slide scrolls, write a brief description about each picture.

5. Think about it!
How did your perception of the picture change as you viewed more and more of it?
Compare your first evaluation and your last evaluation. How different are they?

6.
Brick wall Rutgers

7. Absolute Thresholds the weakest amount of stimuli that can be sensed
Examples
the number of hairs on the back of one's hand that must be touched before it can be felt
the faintest sound that a person can hear

8. Some Examples
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.
Taste – About 1 teaspoon of sugar dissolved in 2 gallons of water.

9. Difference Threshold
the minimum amount of difference between two stimuli
Example
The difference between paint samples
The difference between one increase in volume on a stereo v. two increases

10. Why is Absolute threshold and difference threshold so important?
So we can detect stimuli without being overwhelmed
So we can differentiate between stimuli

11. THINK ABOUT IT!
Why is it important to differentiate between stimuli?

12. Signal detection theory
Method of distinguishing sensory stimuli that takes into account elements such as the setting, your physical state, your mood and attitudes
Examples
Hearing a friend in a crowded room
Having a cold (food will taste different)
Feeling angry or upset (may change your reaction)
Motivation, expectations and learning can all play roles in signal detection

13. Sensory Adaptation We become more sensitive to weak stimuli Example
Eyes adjust to darkness
We become less sensitive to unchanging stimuli
On the beach as time passes we are less aware of the sound of the ocean

14. Looking Forward
In what ways can a better understanding of how you sense and perceive information add to your understandings of behavior?