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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
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. Answer: B. The stimulus intensity that can be detected 50% of the time.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the term 'absolute threshold' in psychophysical research

The absolute threshold refers to the minimum level of stimulus intensity required for an individual to detect it. This concept is used to understand the sensitivity of human perception to different types of stimuli.
02

Evaluate the first option - A

"The stimulus intensity that can be detected \(100\%\) of the time." - This option describes a situation where the stimulus can be detected every time it is presented. However, this is not the correct definition of the absolute threshold, as it does not account for the fact that human perception can vary and individuals may not always detect a stimulus, even if it is above the absolute threshold.
03

Evaluate the second option - B

"The stimulus intensity that can be detected \(50\%\) of the time." - This option is the correct definition of the absolute threshold. It accounts for the variability in human perception and defines the absolute threshold as the point where a stimulus is detected half of the time.
04

Evaluate the third option - C

"The minimum amount of difference in intensity needed to tell two stimuli apart." - This option describes a different concept called the difference threshold or the just noticeable difference (JND). It is not the correct definition of the absolute threshold.
05

Evaluate the fourth option - D

"A constant proportion of the size of the initial stimulus." - This option describes Weber's Law, which states that the difference threshold is directly proportional to the intensity of the initial stimulus. It is not the correct definition of the absolute threshold. The correct answer is B: The stimulus intensity that can be detected \(50\%\) of the time.

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