In a Psychophysical Experiment, Observers First View an Adapting Stimulus

question 151

Multiple Choice

In a psychophysical experiment, observers first view an adapting stimulus in which small dots on a computer screen all move steadily toward the right. They then view a test stimulus in which they have to determine whether a patch of dots is stationary or moving. Based on the textbook's discussion, one might predict that the adapting stimulus would:

• A)decrease observers' absolute threshold for motion detection.
• B)increase observers' absolute threshold for motion detection.
• C)have little or no effect on observers' absolute threshold for motion detection.
• D)decrease observers' difference threshold for motion detection.

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Definitions:

Nonbanking Public

The segment of the economy that does not include banks or financial institutions, generally referring to average consumers and businesses.

Money Supply

The complete tally of money-based assets available within an economy at a certain point, counting coins, cash, and holdings in savings and current accounts.

Reserve Requirement

A rephrased definition of Required Reserves: The regulation set by central banks determining the minimum amount of deposits that banks must hold as reserves and not lend out.

Discount Rate

The interest rate charged by central banks for loans to their member banks, influencing monetary policy and economic conditions.