Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
These are stimuli that are below the threshold of conscious awareness. They're too weak or quick to be consciously recognized, but they may still influence behavior and perception.
This refers to the decrease in sensitivity to a constant level of stimulation. For example, becoming accustomed to a strong smell after being exposed to it for some time.