Explain the difference between absolute threshold and difference threshold. in 5 sentences
The absolute threshold refers to the minimum level of stimulus needed for a person to detect its presence. It represents the boundary between perceiving a stimulus and not perceiving it. For example, the absolute threshold of hearing is the quietest sound that a person can detect.
On the other hand, the difference threshold (also known as the Just Noticeable Difference or JND) refers to the minimum difference in intensity or magnitude between two stimuli that a person can detect. It measures the smallest change in a stimulus that can be noticed by the sensory system. For example, the difference threshold of weight is the smallest weight difference that a person can perceive.
While absolute threshold focuses on the presence or absence of stimuli, the difference threshold focuses on the ability to detect changes in stimuli. The absolute threshold is fixed and represents the same value for a given individual, while the difference threshold can vary depending on factors such as sensory acuity and the magnitude of the stimuli.
The Weber's Law is closely related to the difference threshold, as it states that the difference threshold is not a fixed amount but rather a proportion or percentage of the initial stimulus, making it relative to the magnitude of the stimulus itself. In other words, the difference threshold is a relative measure.