In psychology, a threshold refers to the point or level at which a stimulus becomes strong
enough to be detected or perceived by an individual. It is essentially the minimum intensity or
magnitude of a stimulus required for it to produce a noticeable effect on sensory perception or
behavior.
There are several types of thresholds in psychology, and each relates to different aspects of
sensory processing and perception:
1. Absolute Threshold
Definition: The absolute threshold is the smallest amount of stimulus energy that can be
detected by the sensory system, such as sight, sound, touch, taste, or smell. It represents
the minimum intensity of a stimulus that is needed for it to be perceived. If a stimulus is
below this threshold, it cannot be detected, but if it is above it, it can be perceived.
Example:
o In hearing, the absolute threshold could be the faintest sound (e.g., a ticking
clock) that a person can hear under ideal conditions.
o For vision, it could be the faintest light a person can see, like a single candle
flame at a distance of about 30 miles on a dark, clear night.
2. Difference Threshold (Just Noticeable Difference or JND)
Definition: The difference threshold refers to the smallest difference between two stimuli
that a person can detect. It is the minimum difference in intensity that a person can
distinguish between two stimuli. This is often based on the concept of "Weber's Law,"
which states that the JND is proportional to the magnitude of the original stimulus.
Example:
o If you are holding two weights, the difference threshold would be the smallest
amount of weight added to one side that you can notice as being heavier.
o In vision, if you are looking at two lights, the difference threshold is the smallest
change in brightness that you can perceive between the two.
3. Terminal Threshold
Definition: The terminal threshold is the maximum intensity of a stimulus that can be
perceived by the sensory system. Beyond this threshold, a stimulus may no longer be
detectable, or it may cause pain or discomfort. This applies to both sensory and physical
limits, where stimuli can exceed the capacity of the sensory organs.
Example:
o For hearing, this could be the loudest sound a person can hear before it becomes
painful (e.g., the threshold at which a sound becomes so loud it causes ear
discomfort or damage).
o For vision, it could be the brightest light that your eyes can handle before
becoming painful (e.g., staring at the sun).
4. Sensory Threshold
Definition: Sensory threshold refers to the point at which a stimulus is detected by the
sensory system. Sensory thresholds can vary depending on the individual, the type of
stimulus, and environmental factors. It is similar to the absolute threshold but emphasizes
the sensory system’s response and its detection capabilities.
Example: If you are in a quiet room and someone whispers, you may detect the sound at
a lower level than if you're in a noisy room, so the sensory threshold for hearing varies.
5. Perceptual Threshold
Definition: The perceptual threshold is the point at which a stimulus is perceived as
meaningful or noticeable in the context of its environment. This is about how the brain
interprets the stimuli after detecting them. Even if a stimulus is above the absolute
threshold, it may not be consciously perceived if it doesn't fit into the context or if the
brain doesn’t give it attention.
Example:
o You might hear a sound in the background (like a ticking clock), but if you’re
focused on a task, you may not consciously perceive it until it reaches a
perceptual threshold where it grabs your attention.
Summary of Types of Thresholds:
Absolute Threshold: The smallest detectable stimulus (e.g., faintest sound you can
hear).
Difference Threshold (JND): The smallest detectable difference between two stimuli
(e.g., noticing a difference in weight).
Terminal Threshold: The maximum detectable stimulus (e.g., loudest sound before
pain).
Sensory Threshold: The point at which sensory systems detect stimuli (e.g., faintest
light your eyes can see).
Perceptual Threshold: The point at which a stimulus becomes meaningful or noticeable.
Sub-threshold: A stimulus below the threshold that still affects behavior or perception
unconsciously.
Thresholds are fundamental in understanding how we perceive the world around us, as they
define the boundaries of our sensory and perceptual experiences.
