Question

Explain the characteristics of sensation.

Hint:

Understanding the characteristics of sensation helps in studying how we perceive and interpret sensory stimuli in our environment.

Answer 1

Sensation is the process by which our sensory organs detect and respond to stimuli from the environment. The characteristics of sensation include:
1. Threshold: The threshold is the minimum amount of stimulus required for a sensation to be perceived. It can be categorized into the absolute threshold (the smallest detectable stimulus) and the difference threshold (the smallest difference between two stimuli that can be detected).
2. Intensity: Sensations vary in intensity, depending on the strength of the stimulus. Strong stimuli produce more intense sensations, while weak stimuli produce less intense sensations.
3. Quality: Sensations have distinct qualities that allow us to differentiate them. For example, the quality of a sound might be high-pitched or low-pitched, while a taste may be sweet or sour.
4. Duration: Sensations have different durations, which refer to how long the stimulus is perceived. Some sensations may be brief, while others may last longer.
5. Adaptation: Sensory adaptation is the process by which our sensory receptors become less responsive to continuous or unchanging stimuli. For example, we may stop feeling the sensation of clothes touching our skin after a while.