Sensory Processes and Sensation

This lecture provides an introduction to the concept of

sensory processes and sensation in psychology. The key
points covered are:
1. Sensory processes are the mechanisms by which the
physical world is encoded into the psychological world.
Humans are constantly bombarded with various stimuli
from the environment, and sensory processes allow us to
assimilate and interpret at least some of this information.
2. The two main characteristics of sensory systems are
sensitivity and sensory coding. Sensitivity refers to the
accuracy of the sensory system in detecting stimuli, while
sensory coding describes how the physical information is
encoded into a form the brain can interpret.
3. Sensitivity is measured using the concepts of absolute
threshold (the minimum stimulus required to detect
something) and differential threshold (the minimum
change in stimulus required to perceive a difference).
4. The Weber-Fechner law describes the relationship
between the intensity of a standard stimulus and the just
noticeable difference required to detect a change. This
demonstrates that as the standard stimulus increases, the
required change also increases.
5. Signal detection theory explains how individuals
distinguish between important signals and background
noise when detecting stimuli. This is relevant in medical
diagnosis, where doctors must differentiate true
symptoms from random noise in test results.
The lecture sets the stage for a more detailed exploration
of sensory processes, particularly the visual system, in the
next lecture.
Sensory Processes and Sensation
This lecture provides an overview of the concept of
sensory processes and sensation in psychology. The key
points are:
1. Sensory processes are the mechanisms that translate
physical stimuli from the external environment into
psychological experiences. Humans are constantly
exposed to various environmental inputs, and sensory
processes allow us to perceive and interpret at least some
of this information.
2. The two main characteristics of sensory systems are:
a. Sensitivity - the accuracy of the sensory system in
detecting stimuli
b. Sensory coding - the process by which physical
information is encoded into a format the brain can
understand
3. Sensitivity is measured using:
a. Absolute threshold - the minimum stimulus required for
detection
b. Differential threshold - the minimum change in
stimulus needed to perceive a difference
4. The Weber-Fechner law describes the relationship
between the intensity of a standard stimulus and the just
noticeable difference required to detect a change. This
shows that as the initial stimulus gets stronger, a larger
change is needed to be perceived.
5. Signal detection theory explains how individuals
distinguish between meaningful signals and background
noise when detecting stimuli. This is relevant in medical
diagnosis, where doctors must differentiate true
symptoms from random variations in test results.
The lecture sets the foundation for a more detailed
exploration of sensory processes, particularly the visual
system, in the next lecture.
Sensory Processes and Sensation
This lecture delves into the concept of sensory processes
and sensation in psychology, providing a detailed
explanation of the key points.
1. Sensory Processes:
- Humans are constantly bombarded with a range of
information from the environment, such as light, sound,
temperature, touch, and smell.
- Sensory processes are the mechanisms that allow us to
perceive and make sense of this physical information,
converting it into psychological experiences.
- These processes are essential for interacting with the
world around us, as they enable us to assimilate and
interpret at least some of the environmental inputs.
2. Characteristics of Sensory Systems:
a. Sensitivity:
- Sensitivity refers to the accuracy and precision of the
sensory system in detecting stimuli.
- It describes how easily or accurately the sensory system
can perceive and respond to environmental information.
- Sensitivity is measured using the concepts of absolute
threshold and differential threshold.
b. Sensory Coding:
- Sensory coding describes the process by which the
physical information is encoded into a format that the
brain can understand and interpret.
- This involves the translation of physical stimuli, such as
light, sound, or touch, into neural signals that the brain
can process and make meaning of.
3. Measuring Sensitivity:
a. Absolute Threshold:
- The absolute threshold is the minimum amount of
physical stimulus required for a person to detect its
presence.
- It represents the point at which the person transitions
from not perceiving the stimulus to perceiving it.
- Determining the absolute threshold involves
experimental methods where the stimulus is gradually
increased until the person reports detecting it.
b. Differential Threshold:
- The differential threshold, also known as the just
noticeable difference (JND), is the minimum change in a
stimulus that a person can detect.
- It represents the smallest difference in stimulus intensity
that can be perceived as a change.
- Determining the differential threshold involves
comparing a standard stimulus to a comparison stimulus
and finding the point at which the person can reliably
detect a difference.
4. Weber-Fechner Law:
- The Weber-Fechner law describes the relationship
between the intensity of a standard stimulus and the just
noticeable difference required to detect a change.
- It states that the larger the standard stimulus, the larger
the change in stimulus intensity needed to be perceived as
a difference.
- This means that as the initial stimulus gets stronger, a
proportionally larger change is required for the person to
notice a difference.
5. Signal Detection Theory:
- Signal detection theory explains how individuals
distinguish between meaningful signals and background
noise when detecting stimuli.
- It is particularly relevant in medical diagnosis, where
doctors must differentiate true symptoms from random
variations in test results.
- The theory suggests that the decision to identify a
stimulus as present or absent is influenced by both the
strength of the signal and the amount of noise present.
- Doctors may adopt different decision-making strategies,
ranging from being more liberal (quick to identify a signal)
to more conservative (requiring more evidence to identify
a signal), which can lead to different rates of correct and
incorrect decisions.
By understanding these concepts, the lecture sets the stage
for a more detailed exploration of sensory processes,
particularly the visual system, in the next lecture.