LearningCurve Module 17. Basic Concepts of Sensation and Perception

priming

_____ is the activation, often unconsciously, of certain associations, thus predisposing one's perception, memory, or response.

difference

A snack manufacturer finds that it must increase the salt content of its chips by 8 percent in order for a sample of consumers to notice that the chips are saltier than they were before. This example BEST illustrates the concept of a(n) _____ threshold.

dependent

According to the textbook, desirable objects are perceived as closer than neutral objects. In an experiment examining this phenomenon, the perceived distance of the objects is a(n) _____ variable in this study.

perceptual set; context

Both _____ and _____ indicate how experiences help to construct perception.

the signal detection theory.

Dennis, a nurse, notes that some parents of asthmatic children respond to very small changes in their children's breathing and seek care accordingly. However, other parents do not notice the same small changes. This type of difference in reaction to stimuli is BEST explained by:

Weber's law.

Giulio's bag of marbles is twice as heavy as Jim's bag. If it takes 5 extra marbles to make Jim's bag feel heavier, it will take 10 extra marbles to make Giulio's bag feel heavier. This BEST illustrates:

sensation; perception

Marc is driving his 12-year-old car. He notices a sound coming from the engine, which involves _____ processing. He immediately starts thinking that the sound is similar to the sound his car made the last time he had it repaired, which involves _____ processing.

her emotions

Michelle was driving home from running errands with her four children when her car broke down about a mile from her house. She tried to get it to start but it just wouldn't do anything. She tried to call her husband to come help her but received no answer. Michelle decided to walk home with her four children. After walking about half a mile in the 95-degree weather with her children Michelle could see her street in the distance. It seemed like she would never get home. It felt like she had been walking for hours. Michelle's perception of the distance to her home is being influenced by:

top-down

Perceptions can be influenced _____ by expectations, the context, emotions, and motivation.

signal detection theory.

Two Transportation Security Administration officers are scanning bags at the airport. One of the officers lets a bag go through, but the other officer yells, "Wait, didn't you see that?" Why one officer saw a weapon and the other did not is BEST explained by:

sensory adaptation.

When Thad arrived at the gym Tuesday morning, he noticed the musty odor of the showers in the locker room. As he finished changing, he did not notice the smell. This is probably the result of:

We see what is there.

Which statement BEST expresses the essence of bottom-up processing?