AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The “absolute threshold of sensation” refers to the minimum intensity of a stimulus that a person can detect half the time. This threshold is not fixed, but varies from person to person and can be influenced by psychological factors, such as expectations, motivation, and alertness.

Detailed explanation-2: -An absolute threshold is the smallest amount of stimulation needed for a person to detect that stimulus 50% of the time. This can be applied to all our senses: The minimum intensity of light we can see. The lowest volume of a sound we can hear.

Detailed explanation-3: -Examples of Absolute Threshold Vision-A candle flame 30 miles away. Hearing-A watch ticking 20 feet away. Smell-A drop of perfume in a 6-room house. Taste-A teaspoon of sugar in a gallon of water.

Detailed explanation-4: -The difference threshold, or just noticeable difference, is the ability to detect the smallest change in a stimulus about 50% of the time.

Detailed explanation-5: -Absolute threshold refers to the minimum amount of stimulus energy that must be present for the stimulus to be detected 50% of the time.