Absolute Threshold Concept

Definition

The absolute threshold concept refers to the minimum intensity of a stimulus that can be detected by an individual 50% of the time. It represents the boundary between when a stimulus is too weak to be noticed and when it becomes noticeable.

Analogy

Imagine you're in a quiet room studying, and suddenly someone outside drops a pin. The absolute threshold is like the point at which the sound of the pin dropping becomes loud enough for you to notice it amidst your studying.

Related terms

Subliminal Perception: This term refers to stimuli that are below our absolute threshold and therefore go unnoticed consciously.

Difference Threshold: Also known as just noticeable difference (JND), this term refers to the smallest amount by which two stimuli must differ in order for an individual to perceive them as different.

Sensory Adaptation: This term describes how our sensory receptors become less responsive over time if exposed continuously to an unchanging stimulus.