Understanding the Absolute Threshold in Sensory Perception

Subject : Biology

Question:

Which of the following is the minimum amount of physical energy that can be detected 50 percent of the time?

A. Absolute threshold

B. Threshold

C. Difference threshold

D. Sensory threshold

Expert Verified Solution:

The correct answer is A. Absolute threshold.

Explanation:

The absolute threshold is a key concept in sensory psychology. It is defined as the minimum amount of physical energy required for a stimulus to be detected 50 percent of the time. This means that it represents the lowest level of stimulus intensity that an individual can consistently perceive. For example, in a dark room, the absolute threshold for vision might be the faintest light that a person can see half of the time.

Understanding the absolute threshold is crucial for studying how we perceive various sensory inputs, such as sounds, smells, or tactile sensations. It helps researchers understand the limits of human sensory capabilities and how different factors, like age or sensory impairments, can affect perception.

The term threshold (B) is more general and can refer to the point at which a stimulus becomes noticeable, but it is not as specific as the absolute threshold.

The difference threshold (C), also known as the just noticeable difference (JND), refers to the smallest amount of change in a stimulus that can be detected. For example, if you’re holding a weight, the difference threshold would be the minimum amount of added weight you can notice.

Sensory threshold (D) is a broader term that encompasses both absolute and difference thresholds, referring to the general level at which stimuli are perceived by the senses.

The absolute threshold is a precise measure of the smallest detectable level of a stimulus, representing the point where detection is possible 50 percent of the time.