MEASURING OUR SENSES___________________: A field of study that

draws upon physics and psychology to studythe sensitivity of our senses

PHYSICS+

PSYCHOLOGY

=

THRESHOLDS1) ________________________:

The smallest quantity of physical energy that can be reliably detected by an observer

RELIABLE = Detection _____ of the time

EXAMPLE:What’s the smallest line you willread correctly 50% of the time?

NORMAL SENSORY ABILITIESVISION: A candle flame on a clear, dark night

from _____ miles away.HEARING: A ticking watch in a perfectly quiet

room from _____ feet awayTASTE: A teaspoon of sugar diluted in _____

gallons of waterSMELL: A drop of perfume diffused through a

____-room apartmentTOUCH: Feel the wing of a bee falling on your

cheek from a height of ______

THRESHOLDS2) _________________________:

The smallest difference in stimulation that can be reliably detected when comparing two things

A.K.A. Just Noticeable Difference

SENSORY RESPONSES________________________

The reduction or disappearance of sensory responsiveness that occurs when a stimulation is unchanging or repetitious

SENSORY ADAPTATIONVERY USEFUL!

►Feeling the watch on your wrist► Swimming in a cold lake

VERY HARMFUL!You might no longer smell a gas leak thatyou noticed upon first entering thekitchen.

Ted, your house

smells like burnt hair!

SENSORY RESPONSES_______________________

The absence of normal levels of sensory stimulation

Uhhh, hello?

Anyone?

STUDIES IN SENSORY DEPRIVATION

MALE VOLUNTEERSIsolated from all patterned sight and sound

• Vision was restricted by a translucent visor• Hearing was restricted by a U-shaped pillow and by

background noise from an A/C unit or fan• Touch was restricted by cotton gloves and cardboard

cuffs

Given brief restroom eating breaks BUT…Spent their entire day laying in bed, doing

Nothing!

RESULTSWithin a few hours, many felt edgy

– Some were so disoriented, they quit the first day!– Those who remained became confused, restless,

and grouchy

– Many reported bizarre visionsExample: Squadron of marching squirrelsor a procession of marching eyeglasses

– Very few men were willing to remain in the study for more than 2 or 3 days

SENSORY RESPONSES______________________

Occurs when there is excess stimulation; leads to fatigue and mental exhaustion

EXAMPLE Finals Week

SENSORY OVERLOADWE CAN ONLY FOCUS ON ONE THING AT A

TIME!!!

_______________________

A.K.A. Cocktail Party Effect