Psychophysics (1-2)

Nota:

• I think therefor I am

1. Can measure rxn to stimuli
   1. So can measure psych events!
2. Psychophysical parallelism

1. Careful observation of own perceptions
   1. Clear beginning/ending
   2. Careful observation of own perception
   3. Repitition
   4. Variation
      1. Can experiment

1. Not always linear

1. Energy distributed on receptor

1. Environmental source

1. Min. energy required to complete a perceptual task
   1. Absolute Threshold
      1. Nothing to Something
         1. Ex. total darkness to dim light
   2. Relative Threshold
      1. Something to something
         1. Ex. dim light to more light
         2. Discriminating task
2. Properties
   1. Variations
      1. Different moments of threshold vary
         1. Random fluctuations
         2. Fluctuation in neurons carrying visual signals
         3. Level of alertness
      2. Eventual normal curve
   2. Relationship to sensitivity
      1. Momentary Threshold
         1. Not quite sure if see it
      2. Lower Threshold
         1. Higher sensitivity
         2. Low intensity required for you to detect

1. Must understand why!