In psychophysics, the absolute threshold was originally defined as the lowest level of a stimulus, such as light, sound or touch, that an organism could detect. Under the influence of signal detection theory it has since been redefined as the level at which a stimulus is detected a specified percentage of the time, rather than a single fixed cutoff. The absolute threshold can shift with a subject's own motivations and expectations, their cognitive processes, and whether they have already adapted to the stimulus.
Facts
Classification
Type of Phenomenon Type of Phenomenon Core ClaimUnder signal detection theory the absolute threshold is redefined as the stimulus level detected a specified percentage of the time, rather than a fixed cutoff. 1 Sources
1. Absolute threshold (Wikipedia)
Lead section, second sentence
Under the influence of signal detection theory, absolute threshold has been redefined as the level at which a stimulus will be detected a specified percentage (often 50%) of the time.
lead section, phenomenon-kind classification
In neuroscience and psychophysics, an absolute threshold was originally defined as the lowest level of a stimulus, light, sound, touch, etc.
lead section, phenomenon-kind classification, additional value cognitive
The absolute threshold can be influenced by several different factors, such as the subject's motivations and expectations, cognitive processes, and whether the subject is adapted to the stimulus.
View the SourceReader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.