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Question: 1 / 530

Which theory suggests that detection of a stimulus depends on factors like motivation and fatigue?

Bottom-up processing theory

Signal detection theory

Signal detection theory is a framework that explains how individuals discern between stimuli, factoring in both the physical properties of the stimuli and the psychological aspects of perception. This theory emphasizes that the detection of a stimulus is not solely reliant on the intensity of the stimulus itself but is significantly influenced by personal factors such as motivation, expectation, and previous experience, as well as states like fatigue and attention.

In practical terms, this means that a person may be more likely to detect a faint sound if they are motivated to listen closely, such as during a quiet night when one is anxious, compared to when they are tired and distracted. This underscores how subjective experiences and conditions can alter perception, making it more nuanced than simply relying on sensory input alone.

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Absolute threshold theory

Psychophysical theory

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