PSYC 100 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Absolute Threshold, Substance P, Limbic System
11 Sep 2018
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Document Summary
Sensation- the process that occurs when special receptors in the sense organs are activated, allowing various forms of outside stimuli to become neural signals to the brain. Transduction- the process of converting outside stimuli, such as light, into neural activity. Sensory receptors- specialized form of neurons, stimulated by different types of energy (as opposed to neurotransmitters) Difference threshold (aka just noticeable difference)- the smallest difference between two stimuli that is detectable 50% of the time. Absolute threshold- the lowest level of stimulation that a person can consciously detect 50% of the time that the stimulation is present. Habituation- the tendency of the brain to stop attending to constant, unchanging info. Sensory adaptation- tendency of sensory receptor cells to become less responsive to stimulus that is unchanging. Structure of the eye: cornea: clear membrane covering the surface of the eye; protects eye and focuses incoming light.
