Sensory Induction Level 1 Research Paper

Type your answer to each question directly below the question. This assignment requires Level 1 Writing Guidelines.

1. Define the following terms and give an example of each: transduction, threshold, sensory adaptation. (3 points)

Transduction is essentially the change of one form of energy into another. Sensory transduction refers to the process of converting sensory input into neural signals for the brain to interpret. An example would be if you touch a hot stove and your body uses the energy and sends a “message” to the brain and your brain reads it as hot or as pain.

Threshold (or absolute threshold) is the weakest level of any stimulus to produce a sensation, approximately 50% of the time. For example, in an experiment on sound detection, examiners may introduce a sound with fluctuating levels of volume. The threshold would be the lowest volume that a participant can hear.

A good example of sensory adaptation is looking at a person who smokes; they most likely do not notice the cigarette smoke smell any longer, because they are constantly exposed to it. On the other hand, when someone who do not smoke are close by a person who does, they can smell a strong cigarette smoke odor.

2. Explain the difference between sensation and perception. (2 points)

Sensation is the process of transmission of sensory information from the sensory organ’s receptors to the Central nervous system (CNS). Once it reaches the CNS, the information is interpreted. The process of interpretation and organization of input from sensations is called perception. Perception begins with sensations, but it also mirrors our experiences and outlooks as it deciphers sensory stimuli.

3. Describe how Gestalt psychologists explain perception. Include an explanation of the laws of perceptual grouping. (5