threshold definition psychology
A threshold (or limen) is the point of intensity at which the participant can just detect the presence of a stimulus (absolute threshold) or the presence of a difference between two stimuli (difference threshold). Stimuli with intensities below the threshold are considered not detectable (hence: sub-liminal). threshold (or limen) is the point of intensity at which the participant can just detect the presence of a stimulus (absolute threshold) or the presence of a difference between two stimuli (difference threshold). Stimuli with intensities below the threshold are considered not detectable (hence: sub-liminal).
A sensory threshold is the level of strength a stimulus must reach to be detected. Psychologists study sensory thresholds to learn how humans and animals process sensory information.An absolute threshold is the lowest level of strength necessary for detection.For example, when sounds are just loud enough to hear (but no louder), they occur at the absolute threshold.Absolute thresholds vary according to sensory adaptation (diminished sensitivity to stimulus after prolonged exposure).Animals often have different absolute thresholds than people. The differential threshold is the point of lowest intensity at which one can tell that a stimulus has strengthened.n absolute threshold is the lowest level of strength necessary for detection. For example, when sounds are just loud enough to hear (but no louder), they occur at the absolute threshold. Absolute thresholds vary according to sensory adaptation (diminished sensitivity to stimulus after prolonged exposure).