Explain the difference between absolute threshold and difference threshold.
The absolute threshold refers to the lowest level of stimulus intensity that an individual can detect. It is the point at which a stimulus becomes perceptible to a person. For example, the absolute threshold of vision would be the minimum level of light intensity required for a person to detect a dimly lit object.
On the other hand, the difference threshold (also known as the just noticeable difference) refers to the smallest difference in stimulus intensity between two stimuli that an individual can detect. It is the point at which a person can perceive a change in the strength or magnitude of a stimulus. For example, if you have a pile of weights and you add a small weight to it, the difference threshold is the minimum amount of weight that needs to be added for you to notice the change in the total weight.
In summary, the absolute threshold is the minimum level of stimulus required for detection, whereas the difference threshold is the minimum level of difference required between two stimuli for detection. The absolute threshold determines the smallest stimulus that can be detected, while the difference threshold determines the smallest change in a stimulus that can be detected.