Module 16 Review Questions

What occurs when experiences influence our interpretation of data?

• selective attention

• transduction

• bottom-up processing

• top-down processing

• signal detection theory

What principle states that to be percieved as different, two stimuli must differ by a minimum percentage rather than a constant amount?

• absolute threshold

• different threshold

• signal detection theory

• priming

• weber's law

What do we call the conversion of stimulus energies, like sights and sounds, into neural impulses?

• transduction

• perception

• priming

• signal detection theory

• threshold

Natalia is washing her hands and adjusts the faucet handle until the water feels just slightly hotter than it did before. Natalia's adjustment until she feels a difference is an example of

• a subliminal stimulus

• an absolute threshold

• a difference threshold

• signal detection

• weber's law

Tyshane went swimming with friends who did not want to get into the pool because the water felt cold. Tyshane jumped in and after a few minutes declared, "It was cold when I first got in, but now my body is used to it. Come on in!" Tyshane's body became accustomed to the water due to

• perceptual set

• absolute threshold

• difference threshold

• selective attention

• sensory adaptation

Explain how bottom-up and top-down processes work together to help us decipher the world around us.

Answer explanation

1. Bottom-up processing starts at the sensory receptors and works up to higher levels of processing.

2. Top-down processing constructs perceptions from the sensory input drawing on our experience and expectations.

Marisol is planning a ski trip for spring break. Define absolute threshold and difference threshold, and explain how each one might play a role in her perception of the winter weather she will experience.

Answer explanation

1. Absolute threshold is the minimum stimulation that can be detected 50% of the time.

2. Difference threshold is the minimum change in stimulation a person can be detected 50% of the time.

3. Absolute threshold real-world examples

- the lightest wind Marisol can feel

- the first realization that it is snowing).

4. Difference threshold real-world examples

-being aware of a slight change in temperature

- being aware of a slight change in atmospheric pressure as Marisol skis down the mountain