AP Psychology: Sensation & Perception 2

Question 1

What is the absolute threshold in sensation?

Accepted Answer

The minimum stimulation needed to detect a stimulus 50% of the time

Answer

The absolute threshold is the minimum level of stimulus intensity needed for detection half the time.

Question 2

What is Weber's Law?

Accepted Answer

The just noticeable difference between two stimuli is a constant proportion of the original stimulus

Answer

Weber's Law states that the difference threshold (JND) is proportional to the magnitude of the original stimulus.

Question 3

How does the trichromatic theory explain color vision?

Accepted Answer

Three types of cone receptors (red, green, blue) combine to produce all color perceptions

Answer

The trichromatic (Young-Helmholtz) theory proposes that color perception arises from three types of cones sensitive to different wavelengths.

Question 4

What are Gestalt principles of perception?

Accepted Answer

Rules describing how the brain organizes sensory information into meaningful patterns

Answer

Gestalt principles describe how we naturally group and organize visual elements into coherent wholes rather than perceiving isolated parts.

Question 5

What is sensory adaptation?

Accepted Answer

Diminished sensitivity to an unchanging stimulus over time

Answer

Sensory adaptation is the tendency for sensory receptors to become less responsive to constant, unchanging stimulation.

AP Practice Test