Sensory processing, perception, attention, memory, language, problem solving, and intelligence from MCAT Foundational Concepts 6.
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- Minimum stimulus intensity to be detected 50% of the time
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Absolute threshold- Minimum detectable change in stimulus intensity
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Just noticeable difference (JND), or difference threshold- JND is proportional to the intensity of the original stimulus (delta I / I = k)
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Weber's Law- Decreased sensitivity to a constant stimulus over time
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Sensory adaptation- Conversion of physical stimulus energy into neural signals
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Sensory transduction- Theory explaining detection of stimuli in presence of noise; includes hits, false alarms, misses, correct rejections
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Signal detection theory- Perception shaped by prior knowledge, expectations, and mental context
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Top-down processing- Perception driven directly by sensory data without higher-order interpretation
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Bottom-up processing- Organization of visual scene into foreground object versus background
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Figure-ground organization- Principles of visual grouping: proximity, similarity, continuity, closure, common fate
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Gestalt principles- Depth perception using slightly different images from each eye
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Binocular disparity (stereopsis)- Depth cues that work with one eye: linear perspective, relative size, occlusion, texture gradient, motion parallax
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Monocular depth cues- Perception of constant object properties despite changes in sensory input (color, size, shape remain stable)
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Perceptual constancy- Ability to focus attention on one stimulus while ignoring irrelevant stimuli
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Selective attention- Attempt to process multiple stimuli or information streams at the same time
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Divided attention
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