Sensory threshold

Sensory threshold is a theoretical concept used in psychophysics. A stimulus that is less intense than the sensory threshold will not elicit any sensation. Methods have been developed to measure thresholds in any of the senses.

Several different sensory thresholds have been defined;

• Absolute threshold: the lowest level at which a stimulus can be detected.
• Recognition threshold: the level at which a stimulus can not only be detected but also recognised.
• Differential threshold: the level at which an increase in a detected stimulus can be perceived.
• Terminal threshold: the level beyond which a stimulus is no longer detected.

Aviation use. When related to motion in any of the possible six degrees of freedom (6-DoF), the fact that sensory thresholds exist is why it is essential that aircraft have blind-flying instruments. Sustained flight in cloud is not possible by `seat-of-the-pants' cues alone since errors build up due to aircraft movements below the pilot's sensory threshold, ultimately leading to loss of control.

• In flight simulators with motion platforms, the motion sensory thresholds are utilised in the technique known as `acceleration-onset cueing'. This is where a motion platform, having made the initial acceleration that is sensed by the simulator crew, the platform is re-set to approximately its neutral position by being moved at a rate below the sensory threshold and is then ready to respond to the next acceleration demanded by the simulator computer.

See also

• Detection theory
• Odor detection threshold
• Perception
• Sensory analysis

This cognitive psychology-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.v · Categories: Perception Psychophysics Cognitive psychology stubs Wikimedia Foundation. 2010. Игры ⚽ Поможем написать реферат Waldensia Milan Bartovič Look at other dictionaries: Threshold — may refer to:Books and comics* Threshold (novel), a 1985 science fiction novel by David R. Palmer * Threshold (Sara Douglass novel), a 1997 fantasy novel by Sara Douglass * Threshold , a 2001 science fiction novel by Caitlín R. KiernanFilm and… …   Wikipedia sensory reception, human — Introduction  means by which humans react to changes in external and internal environments.   Ancient philosophers called the human senses “the windows of the soul,” and Aristotle described at least five senses sight, hearing, smell, taste, and… …   Universalium Threshold of pain — The threshold of pain is the point at which pain begins to be felt. It is an entirely subjective phenomenon. The intensity at which a stimulus (e.g., heat, pressure) begins to evoke pain is the threshold intensity.[1] So, if a hotplate on a… …   Wikipedia Sensory illusions in aviation — Because human senses are adapted for use on the ground, navigating by sensory input alone during flight can be dangerous: sensory input does not always accurately reflect the movement of the aircraft, causing sensory illusions. These illusions… …   Wikipedia Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy — For the gene HSN2, see HSN2. Not to be confused with Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy. Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy Classification and external resources ICD 9 356.2 OMIM …   Wikipedia Active sensory systems — are sensory receptors that are activated by probing the environment with self generated energy. Examples include echolocation of bats and dolphins and insect antennae. Using self generated energy allows more control over signal intensity,… …   Wikipedia Pain threshold — The term pain threshold refers to the maximum intensity or duration of a sensory stimulus at which the body shuts down. In scientific literature the term is clearly differentiated from the term pain tolerance. Pain threshold is the minimum… …   Wikipedia Logical Sensory Extrovert — The Logical Sensory Extrovert, LSE, ESTj, the Director, the Administrator, Sherlock Holmes, Stirlitz, or types. The Logical Sensory Extrovert is a rational, extroverted, dynamic type whose leading functions are extroverted logic and introverted… …   Wikipedia absolute threshold — noun the lowest level of stimulation that a person can detect • Hypernyms: ↑threshold, ↑limen • Hyponyms: ↑pain threshold * * * noun : the smallest magnitude at which a sensory stimulus can reliably evoke a sensation …   Useful english dictionary pain threshold — noun The minimum intensity or duration of a sensory stimulus applied to a living being at which it becomes considered painful …   Wiktionary 18+ © Academic, 2000-2024 Contact us: Technical Support, Advertising Dictionaries export, created on PHP, Joomla, Drupal, WordPress, MODx. Mark and share Search through all dictionaries Translate… Search Internet Share the article and excerpts Direct link … Do a right-click on the link above and select “Copy Link”