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• What is the definition of sensation?


  Sensation is the detection of stimuli by sensory receptors.
• What is transduction in the context of sensation?


  Transduction is the conversion of sensory stimulus energy into action potentials.
• What are the traditional five senses?


  Vision, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.
• What are some additional sensory systems beyond the traditional five senses?

  Balance, proprioception, kinesthesia, nociception, and thermoception.
• What is the absolute threshold?


  The absolute threshold is the minimum amount of stimulus energy needed for detection 50% of the time.
• How can the absolute threshold be illustrated with an example?


  Detecting a candle flame 30 miles away on a clear night.
• What are subliminal messages?


  Subliminal messages are stimuli below the threshold for conscious awareness.
• What is the difference threshold also known as?


  Just Noticeable Difference (JND).
• How does Weber's Law relate to the difference threshold?


  Weber's Law states that the difference threshold is a constant fraction of the original stimulus.
• How does the difference threshold change with the intensity of the original stimulus?


  The difference threshold increases as the original stimulus intensity increases.
• What is the difference between sensation and perception?


  Sensation is the physical process of detecting stimuli, while perception is the psychological process of interpreting them.
• How does sensory adaptation work?


  Sensory adaptation occurs when sensory receptors become less responsive to constant stimuli.
• What role does attention play in sensation and perception?


  Attention determines what is sensed versus what is perceived.
• What is inattentional blindness?

  Inattentional blindness is the failure to notice something visible due to lack of attention.
• How can motivation affect perception?


  Motivation can influence how we perceive stimuli, such as mistaking other noises for an important phone call.
• What does Signal Detection Theory explain?


  Signal Detection Theory explains how we identify a stimulus within a distracting background.
• What are the four outcomes in Signal Detection Theory?


  Hits, misses, false alarms, and correct rejections.
• How does perception relate to personal factors?


  Perception is shaped by beliefs, values, prejudices, expectations, and life experiences.
• What is binocular vision?


  Binocular vision is the ability to perceive depth using both eyes.
• How can cultural context influence perception?


  Cultural context can lead to perceptual differences, such as susceptibility to visual illusions.
• What did the study by Segall, Campbell, & Herskovits (1963) find?


  Individuals from Western cultures are more prone to certain visual illusions compared to non-Western cultures.
• How does odor perception vary across cultures?


  Identifying and rating odors can differ significantly across cultures.
• How do personality traits affect perception of food?


  Thrill seekers may prefer intense sour flavors, while attitudes toward food can influence perceived taste.
• What are the two physical characteristics of waves?

  Amplitude and wavelength.
• What is amplitude in the context of waves?


  Amplitude refers to the height of a wave from its peak to its trough.
• What is wavelength in the context of waves?


  Wavelength is the length of a wave from one peak to another.
• How is frequency expressed?


  Frequency is often expressed in hertz (Hz).
• How does wavelength relate to frequency?


  The longer the wavelength, the lower the frequency, and vice versa.
• What is the visible spectrum?


  The visible spectrum is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum associated with wavelengths from 380 to 740 nanometers.
• What is the electromagnetic spectrum?


  The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses all electromagnetic radiation, including gamma rays, visible light, and radio waves.
• How can honeybees and snakes perceive light differently?


  Honeybees can see ultraviolet light, while snakes can detect infrared radiation.
• What colors are associated with longer and shorter wavelengths in the visible spectrum?


  Red is associated with longer wavelengths, while blue and violet are associated with shorter wavelengths.
• How does pitch relate to sound waves?

  Pitch is associated with the frequency of sound waves.
• How is loudness related to sound waves?

  Loudness is closely associated with the amplitude of sound waves.
• What unit is used to measure sound intensity?

  Decibels (dB).
• What is the threshold of pain in decibels?


  The threshold of pain is about 130 dB.
• How does timbre relate to sound?


  Timbre refers to a sound's purity and is affected by the interplay of frequency, amplitude, and timing.
• What is the major sensory organ of the visual system?


  The eye.
• What is the function of the cornea?


  The cornea focuses light waves that enter the eye.
• What is the pupil's role in the eye?


  The pupil is the small opening where light passes into the eye.