Absolute Threshold
The absolute threshold is the minimum level of stimulus intensity needed for a person to detect a particular sensation 50% of the time. It varies among individuals and can be influenced by factors such as age, health, and environmental conditions. For example, the absolute threshold for hearing might be the faintest sound a person can hear in a quiet room.
In sensory psychology, the absolute threshold is crucial for understanding how we perceive our environment. It applies to all senses, including sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. By studying these thresholds, researchers can gain insights into human perception and sensory processing.