Psychophysics
Psychophysics
Psychophysics (pronounced: /ˌsaɪkoʊˈfɪzɪks/) is a sub-discipline of Psychology and Physics that studies the relationship between physical stimuli and the sensations and perceptions they affect.
Etymology
The term "psychophysics" was coined by German psychologist Gustav Fechner, and is derived from the Greek words 'psyche' meaning mind, and 'physis' meaning nature or physical.
Definition
Psychophysics quantitatively investigates the relationship between physical stimuli and the sensations and perceptions they produce. It analyzes the perceptual processes by studying the stimulus-response relationship.
Methods
Psychophysics uses empirical scientific methods to understand how physical stimuli are translated into psychological experience. Some common methods used in psychophysics research include the method of limits, the method of constant stimuli, and the method of adjustment.
Related Terms
- Perception: The process of recognizing and interpreting sensory stimuli.
- Sensation: The process of receiving information from the environment through the senses.
- Stimulus: Any object or event that elicits a sensory or behavioral response in an organism.
- Threshold: The minimum level of stimulus intensity needed to activate a sensory receptor.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Psychophysics
- Wikipedia's article - Psychophysics
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