US High School Psychology Practice Exam

Do our senses maintain the same level of sensitivity regardless of the stimulus magnitude?

1. Yes, they do

2. No, they vary

3. Only with auditory senses

4. Only with visual senses

The correct answer is: No, they vary

The concept that our senses do not maintain the same level of sensitivity regardless of stimulus magnitude is rooted in the principles of sensory adaptation and psychophysics. Sensory adaptation refers to the process where sensitivity to a constant stimulus decreases over time, allowing us to focus on changes in our environment rather than constant aspects. As the intensity or magnitude of a stimulus increases, our sensory receptors may become less sensitive to further increases. For example, in visual perception, when exposed to bright light, our eyes adjust such that we become less responsive to the brightness over time. Similarly, with auditory stimuli, exposure to loud sounds can lead to a temporary reduction in sensitivity to softer sounds. This variability in sensory sensitivity is not confined to any single sense; it applies across multiple modalities, including visual and auditory senses, among others. Therefore, the correct answer reflects an understanding that our senses adapt and vary in their sensitivity based on the magnitude and nature of the stimulus encountered in the environment.