2. MEASURING OUR SENSES ___________________: A field of study that draws upon physics and psychology to study the sensitivity of our senses PHYSICS + PSYCHOLOGY =

3. THRESHOLDS 1)________________________: 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 will read correctly 50% of the time?

5. NORMAL SENSORY ABILITIES VISION: A candle flame on a clear, dark night from _____ miles away. HEARING: A ticking watch in a perfectly quiet room from _____ feet away TASTE: A teaspoon of sugar diluted in _____ gallons of water SMELL: A drop of perfume diffused through a ____-room apartment TOUCH: Feel the wing of a bee falling on your cheek from a height of ______

6. THRESHOLDS 2) _________________________: The smallest difference in stimulation that can be reliably detected when comparing two things A.K.A. Just Noticeable Difference

7. SENSORY RESPONSES ________________________ The reduction or disappearance of sensory responsiveness that occurs when a stimulation is unchanging or repetitious

8. SENSORY ADAPTATION VERY USEFUL! ►Feeling the watch on your wrist ► Swimming in a cold lake VERY HARMFUL! You might no longer smell a gas leak that you noticed upon first entering the kitchen.

9. Ted, your house smells like burnt hair!

10. SENSORY RESPONSES _______________________ The absence of normal levels of sensory stimulation Uhhh, hello? Anyone?

11. STUDIES IN SENSORY DEPRIVATION MALE VOLUNTEERS Isolated 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!

12. RESULTS Within 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 visions Example: Squadron of marching squirrels or a procession of marching eyeglasses –Very few men were willing to remain in the study for more than 2 or 3 days

13. SENSORY RESPONSES ______________________ Occurs when there is excess stimulation; leads to fatigue and mental exhaustion EXAMPLE Finals Week

14. SENSORY OVERLOAD WE CAN ONLY FOCUS ON ONE THING AT A TIME!!! _______________________ A.K.A. Cocktail Party Effect