PSYC 101 Exam 2 V1 | PSYC 101 General
Psychology | Actual Q&A with Rationale (PSYC101
Exam 2) | Portage Learning
1. Which of the following statements regarding the absolute threshold are correct? Select all
that apply.
A. It is the minimum stimulation needed to detect a stimulus 100% of the time.
B. It represents the point where a stimulus is detected 50% of the time.
C. Options B, D, and E are correct
D. Signal detection theory suggests this threshold depends on both intensity and
psychological state.
E. Subliminal stimuli fall below this specific threshold.
F. It is constant across all individuals regardless of age or physical condition.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The absolute threshold is defined as the minimum intensity required for a
stimulus to be detected at least 50% of the time. Signal detection theory expands on this by
noting that detection is influenced by a person’s experience, expectations, and fatigue. Any
stimulus that falls below this 50% detection mark is considered subliminal, or below the
threshold.
,2. In the context of psychophysics, Weber’s Law states that for a difference to be perceptible,
two stimuli must differ by:
A. A constant minimum amount
B. A fixed number of decibels or lumens
C. A variable ratio depending on the environment
D. A constant minimum percentage
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Weber’s Law describes the ‘just noticeable difference’ (JND) as a proportion
rather than a fixed value. For example, two lights must differ by 8% in intensity for a
person to notice a change. This principle explains why it is harder to notice a small change
in a very intense stimulus compared to a weak one.
3. Sensory adaptation is best described by which of the following scenarios?
A. Diminishing sensitivity to an unchanging stimulus
B. The process by which receptors convert physical energy into neural impulses.
C. Becoming more sensitive to a sound the longer it continues.
D. The ability to focus on one voice among many in a crowded room.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Sensory adaptation occurs when our nerve cells fire less frequently in
response to a constant, unchanging stimulus. This allows our attention to be directed
, toward informative changes in the environment rather than being overwhelmed by static
background noise. A common example is no longer noticing the smell of perfume after
wearing it for several minutes.
4. Transduction in the visual system takes place in which part of the eye?
A. The Cornea
B. The Lens
C. The Retina
D. The Iris
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Transduction is the process of converting one form of energy into another,
specifically light waves into neural signals. This critical transformation occurs in the retina,
where photoreceptors (rods and cones) react to incoming photons. Once converted, these
neural impulses are sent via the optic nerve to the brain for processing.
5. Which photoreceptors are responsible for detecting fine detail and color in well-lit
conditions?
A. Rods
B. Cones
C. Bipolar cells
D. Ganglion cells
Psychology | Actual Q&A with Rationale (PSYC101
Exam 2) | Portage Learning
1. Which of the following statements regarding the absolute threshold are correct? Select all
that apply.
A. It is the minimum stimulation needed to detect a stimulus 100% of the time.
B. It represents the point where a stimulus is detected 50% of the time.
C. Options B, D, and E are correct
D. Signal detection theory suggests this threshold depends on both intensity and
psychological state.
E. Subliminal stimuli fall below this specific threshold.
F. It is constant across all individuals regardless of age or physical condition.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The absolute threshold is defined as the minimum intensity required for a
stimulus to be detected at least 50% of the time. Signal detection theory expands on this by
noting that detection is influenced by a person’s experience, expectations, and fatigue. Any
stimulus that falls below this 50% detection mark is considered subliminal, or below the
threshold.
,2. In the context of psychophysics, Weber’s Law states that for a difference to be perceptible,
two stimuli must differ by:
A. A constant minimum amount
B. A fixed number of decibels or lumens
C. A variable ratio depending on the environment
D. A constant minimum percentage
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Weber’s Law describes the ‘just noticeable difference’ (JND) as a proportion
rather than a fixed value. For example, two lights must differ by 8% in intensity for a
person to notice a change. This principle explains why it is harder to notice a small change
in a very intense stimulus compared to a weak one.
3. Sensory adaptation is best described by which of the following scenarios?
A. Diminishing sensitivity to an unchanging stimulus
B. The process by which receptors convert physical energy into neural impulses.
C. Becoming more sensitive to a sound the longer it continues.
D. The ability to focus on one voice among many in a crowded room.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Sensory adaptation occurs when our nerve cells fire less frequently in
response to a constant, unchanging stimulus. This allows our attention to be directed
, toward informative changes in the environment rather than being overwhelmed by static
background noise. A common example is no longer noticing the smell of perfume after
wearing it for several minutes.
4. Transduction in the visual system takes place in which part of the eye?
A. The Cornea
B. The Lens
C. The Retina
D. The Iris
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Transduction is the process of converting one form of energy into another,
specifically light waves into neural signals. This critical transformation occurs in the retina,
where photoreceptors (rods and cones) react to incoming photons. Once converted, these
neural impulses are sent via the optic nerve to the brain for processing.
5. Which photoreceptors are responsible for detecting fine detail and color in well-lit
conditions?
A. Rods
B. Cones
C. Bipolar cells
D. Ganglion cells
