AP Psychology · Unit 3
Sensation and Perception: every key term you need (+ practice quiz)
24 flashcard terms for AP Psychology Unit 3, written to match the course framework. Study them here, then drill them as interactive flashcards, or test yourself with the 10-question quiz — free, no account needed.
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Sensation The process of detecting physical energy from the environment through sensory receptors.
Perception The process of organizing and interpreting sensory information to give it meaning.
Transduction The conversion of physical stimulus energy (light, sound) into neural impulses the brain can read.
Absolute Threshold The minimum stimulus intensity detectable 50% of the time.
Difference Threshold (JND) The smallest detectable difference between two stimuli half the time; also called the just-noticeable difference.
Weber's Law Two stimuli must differ by a constant proportion (not amount) to be perceived as different.
Signal Detection Theory Predicts detection of faint stimuli depends on both intensity and the observer's expectations and motivation.
Sensory Adaptation Reduced sensitivity to an unchanging stimulus over time, such as no longer noticing a smell.
Retina Light-sensitive inner eye surface containing rods and cones where transduction of light begins.
Rods and Cones Rods detect black, white, and gray in dim light; cones detect color and fine detail in bright light.
Optic Nerve & Blind Spot The optic nerve carries visual information to the brain; where it exits creates a blind spot with no receptors.
Trichromatic Theory The retina has three color receptors (red, green, blue) that combine to produce all color perception.
Opponent-Process Theory Color vision relies on opposing pairs (red-green, blue-yellow, black-white); explains afterimages.
Cochlea Coiled, fluid-filled tube in the inner ear where sound waves are transduced into neural impulses.
Place vs Frequency Theory Place theory links pitch to the cochlear location stimulated; frequency theory links pitch to firing rate.
Bottom-Up Processing Perception that starts with raw sensory input and builds toward the brain's interpretation.
Top-Down Processing Perception guided by experience, expectations, and context to interpret sensory information.
Gestalt Principles Rules by which the brain organizes elements into whole forms (figure-ground, proximity, similarity, closure).
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Figure-Ground Organizing the visual field into an object (figure) that stands out from its surroundings (ground).
Depth Perception The ability to see in three dimensions and judge distance, present early per the visual cliff study.
Binocular Cues Depth cues that require both eyes, such as retinal disparity and convergence.
Monocular Cues Depth cues available to one eye, such as relative size, interposition, and linear perspective.
Perceptual Constancy Perceiving objects as stable in shape, size, and color despite changes in the retinal image.
Perceptual Set A mental predisposition to perceive one thing rather than another based on expectations.
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