Conversely, the amplitude of the action potential is not graded and is independent of the intensity of the stimulus. Intensity Coding Receptor potentials are graded. Receptor potentials are graded. For example, when stimulus energy increases the amplitude of the receptor potential increases. Action potentials are not graded Conversely, action potentials are not graded.
Intensity is encoded as the rate of firing.
As intensity increases, the neuron fires at a higher rate. In addition, sensory systems encode intensity in a logarithmic fashion. Mechanical Selectivity Below is a simplified drawing of a hair cell from the side and the top. Hair cells are selectively sensitive to displacement in the line of movement that is in the direction of the kino and stereocilia. Displacement from the kinocilia toward the stereocilia causes a positive response from the hair cell.