What is the difference between absolute and difference threshold?

[Deepak]

The absolute threshold is the minimum amount of stimulus required for detection, like the faintest sound we can hear. The difference threshold refers to the smallest difference between two stimuli that can be detected, such as noticing a slight change in volume.

 

[BarryRaymo]

The absolute threshold is the minimum amount of stimulation needed for a person to detect a stimulus 50% of the time (e.g., the faintest sound you can hear).

The difference threshold (or just noticeable difference) is the smallest change in a stimulus that can be detected 50% of the time (e.g., noticing a slight increase in volume).

 

[Salvatore_Damon]

The absolute threshold is the lowest level of a stimulus a person can detect (like the faintest sound you can hear). The difference threshold is the smallest change in a stimulus that you can notice (like when the volume gets just a bit louder).

 

[ShirleenOg]

In absolute threshold, it refers to the minimum stimulus intensity a person can detect. The difference threshold (just noticeable difference) is the smallest change between two stimuli that can be perceived. Absolute threshold measures detection, while difference threshold measures sensitivity to changes between stimuli.

 

[anna]

Absolute threshold is the minimum amount of something you need to even notice it exists, like the faintest sound you can hear, while difference threshold is how much something has to change before you notice the difference, like when music gets just a little bit louder.

 

[Robert Willian]

The absolute threshold is the lowest amount of a stimulus that a person is able to detect (such as the faintest sound you can hear). The threshold of perceiving difference is the minimum differs between two stimuli that one can perceive.

 

[Clara]

The absolute threshold is the minimum level of stimulus intensity needed for a person to detect a stimulus at least 50% of the time. In contrast, the difference threshold (also called the just noticeable difference) is the smallest change in a stimulus that a person can detect between two stimuli.

 

[Cayson]

Absolute threshold is the minimum level of stimulus intensity that can be detected at least half the time. Difference threshold is the smallest change in stimulus intensity that a person can notice between two stimuli under normal conditions perception testing.

 

[simran]

The difference comes from how we detect stimuli in Psychology:

• Absolute threshold: The minimum level of a stimulus that a person can detect at all (e.g., the faintest sound you can hear).
• Difference threshold (Just Noticeable Difference): The smallest change in a stimulus that a person can notice (e.g., the smallest increase in volume you can detect).