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Chapter 4: Problem 1

In psychophysical research, the absolute threshold has been arbitrarily defined as: A. the stimulus intensity that can be detected \(100 \%\) of the time. B. the stimulus intensity that can be detected \(50 \%\) of the time. C. the minimum amount of difference in intensity needed to tell two stimuli apart. D. a constant proportion of the size of the initial stimulus.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The absolute threshold is the stimulus intensity that can be detected 50% of the time.

Step by step solution

01

Response A

The stimulus intensity that can be detected 100% of the time: This definition is incorrect because there's no stimulus that can be detected 100% of the time due to natural variations in perception.
02

Response B

The stimulus intensity that can be detected 50% of the time: This definition is correct. In psychophysical research, the absolute threshold is defined as the minimum intensity of a stimulus that can be detected 50% of the time.
03

Response C

The minimum amount of difference in intensity needed to tell two stimuli apart: This definition refers to the concept of "just noticeable difference" (JND) or difference threshold, not the absolute threshold.
04

Response D

A constant proportion of the size of the initial stimulus: This definition describes Weber's law, which states that the JND is a constant proportion of the size of the initial stimulus, rather than the absolute threshold. Based on the analysis, the correct answer to this question is: B. the stimulus intensity that can be detected 50% of the time.

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