Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Sensation experiments are scientific studies conducted to understand how our senses detect and perceive stimuli in the environment. These experiments often involve exposing participants to various types of sensory stimuli.
In the context of sensation experiments, ethical concerns arise when participants are exposed to unpleasant stimuli without their informed consent or if it causes harm beyond reasonable discomfort.
Informed consent is the process of obtaining permission from participants before they take part in any research study. It ensures that participants are aware of the purpose, procedures, and potential risks involved in the experiment.
Harm Minimization: Harm minimization refers to strategies implemented by researchers to reduce any potential physical or psychological harm experienced by study participants during an experiment involving exposure to unpleasant stimuli.