In a classroom experiment, students were asked to place one paper clip in each hand. They were then instructed to add paper clips to the left hand until they were certain that the clips in the left hand weighed more than the paper clips in the right hand. The class average was seven paper clips before a difference in weight was observed. Students were then asked to follow the same procedure with psychology text books. The instructor is demonstrating:
a. a comparison of absolute thresholds.
b. adaptation.
c. Weber's law.
d. stimulus generalization.
I am pretty sure it is c.
Right.
To determine the correct answer, let's analyze the given information. In the classroom experiment, students were asked to add paper clips to their left hand until they perceived that the left hand's clips weighed more than the ones in their right hand. The class average was seven paper clips.
Now, let's consider the options:
a. Comparison of absolute thresholds: Absolute threshold refers to the minimum amount of stimuli needed for a person to perceive a sensation. However, in this experiment, the focus is not on the minimum amount of paper clips needed to perceive a difference, but rather on the number of paper clips students added until they perceived a difference. Therefore, option a is not the correct answer.
b. Adaptation: Adaptation occurs when an individual becomes desensitized to a constant or unchanging stimulus. This concept is not applicable in this scenario since the students were adding paper clips until they perceived a difference. Therefore, option b is not the correct answer.
c. Weber's law: Weber's law states that the just noticeable difference (JND) between two stimuli is proportional to the magnitude of the stimuli. In other words, it relates to the ability to detect a difference between two stimuli. In this experiment, the students kept adding paper clips until they detected a difference in weight. This aligns with the principles of Weber's law, as they were able to perceive a change when the weight difference reached a certain threshold. Therefore, option c is the correct answer.
d. Stimulus generalization: Stimulus generalization refers to the tendency to respond similarly to different stimuli that are similar but not identical. This concept is not relevant to the experiment described, as the students were not responding to different stimuli but rather to a change in the perceived weight of paper clips. Therefore, option d is not the correct answer.
In conclusion, the correct answer is c. Weber's law.