PSY100H1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Detection Theory, Gustav Fechner, Absolute Threshold
65
PSY100H1 Full Course Notes
Verified Note
65 documents
Document Summary
The process of detecting and perceiving the world around us can occur in two stages: sensation - the process of detecting external events by sense organs and turning those stimuli into neural signals. Sensory information is relayed to the brain and the individual then starts to perceive: perception - this involves attending to, organizing, and interpreting stimuli that we sense. According to johannes m ller, the different senses are separated in the brain. This is known as the doctrine of specific nerve energies. This idea is logical but since it requires that distinct pathways connect the sensory organs to appropriate brain structures. These pathways are not fully distinct in the developing brain. It was found that infants have a number of overlapping sensations for instance, spoken language elicits activity in the areas of the brain related to hearing. Experience influences how we adapt to sensory stimuli.
