Intensity level of a stimulus when its presence is recognized by the respondent is known as :

IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2023

Applied Psychology

Easy

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2023

Explanation

A threshold, specifically the absolute threshold, is defined as the minimum intensity a stimulus must have to be detected or recognized.
It represents the boundary between a stimulus being imperceptible (unable to be sensed) and perceptible (able to be sensed).
For any sensation to occur, the stimulus (e.g., light, sound, touch) must be strong enough to cross this minimum intensity level.

Option A: A 'response' is the physiological or behavioral reaction that occurs after a stimulus has been detected and processed, not the intensity level of the stimulus itself.
Option B: 'Sensation' is the broad biological process through which sensory receptors and the nervous system receive and represent stimulus energies from the environment. It is the overall process, not the specific intensity level for detection.
Option C: 'Stimulation' is the act of applying a stimulus to a sensory receptor. It refers to the cause, not the measurement of the intensity required for recognition.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Sensory Thresholds in Psychology as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding sensory thresholds is fundamental in nursing for performing neurological and sensory assessments. For example, using a monofilament to test for loss of sensation in a diabetic patient's feet relates directly to their touch threshold.
Illness, fatigue, or medication can alter a patient's sensory thresholds. A sick patient might find a normal light level to be irritatingly bright (lower threshold) or not feel a wrinkle in the bedsheet (higher threshold).
What if? If a patient has a high auditory threshold (hearing loss), a nurse must ensure communication is clear by speaking louder, facing the patient, reducing background noise, or using written instructions to ensure patient safety and understanding.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of a specific definition in psychology.
First, identify the key concepts in the question stem: 'intensity level', 'stimulus', and 'recognized'. The question is asking for the term that defines the minimum intensity for recognition.
Next, evaluate each option based on this definition.
Analyze 'response' (an action), 'sensation' (a process), and 'stimulation' (an application). None of these refer to a minimum level or point.
Recognize that 'threshold' means a limit or a boundary, which directly corresponds to the concept of a minimum level required for detection.
Therefore, 'threshold' is the most accurate answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q943kFTTcYfzmG8VWsfcAq

E6 Psychology Applied Sreevani 6e Sem1 p. 52-54

E6 Psychology Applied Sreevani 5e p. 51-53