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: (Points: 5)
a comparison of absolute thresholds.
adaptation.
Weber's law.
stimulus generalization.
I think it is a comparison of absolute thresholds
To determine the correct answer, let's understand what each option means:
1. Comparison of absolute thresholds: Absolute threshold refers to the minimum intensity level of a stimulus that is required for it to be detected by a person. In this case, the students are trying to determine the weight difference between the paper clips in their hands. While they are comparing the weights, the experiment does not specifically involve determining the minimum weight required for detection. Therefore, this option is not the correct answer.
2. Adaptation: Adaptation refers to a decrease in sensitivity to a stimulus over time. In this experiment, the students are not adjusting to or becoming less sensitive to the paper clips or books. They are actively trying to determine the weight difference, so this option is also not the correct answer.
3. Weber's law: Weber's law, also known as the just noticeable difference (JND), states that the difference between two stimuli must be above a certain threshold for it to be perceived as different. In this experiment, the students are trying to determine when the left hand becomes heavier than the right hand. This relates to Weber's law, as they are trying to detect a difference in weight. Therefore, this option is a possible correct answer.
4. Stimulus generalization: Stimulus generalization refers to the tendency to respond to similar stimuli in the same way as the original stimulus. In this experiment, the students are not responding to similar stimuli or generalizing their responses. They are specifically comparing the weight of the paper clips and books. Therefore, this option is not the correct answer.
Based on the given information, the best answer seems to be Weber's law, as the experiment involves comparing the weights of the paper clips and books to determine when a difference in weight is noticeable.