The absolute threshold deals with the minimum intensity needed to detect a single stimulus, while the difference threshold focuses on the smallest noticeable change between two stimuli. Both concepts are essential in understanding the limits of human sensory perception.
The absolute threshold and difference threshold are concepts related to the field of psychophysics, which examines the relationship between physical stimuli and the sensations and perceptions they evoke.
1. **Absolute Threshold:**
- **Definition:** The absolute threshold is the minimum intensity of a stimulus that an individual can detect or perceive. It represents the point at which the stimulus becomes just noticeable to an observer.
- **Example:** If you're sitting in a quiet room, the absolute threshold for hearing might be the faintest sound you can perceive, such as a whisper or a pin dropping.
2. **Difference Threshold (or Just Noticeable Difference - JND):**
- **Definition:** The difference threshold is the smallest detectable difference between two stimuli. It measures the minimal change in a stimulus required for an individual to perceive that a change has occurred.
- **Example:** If you're holding two objects of slightly different weights, the difference threshold is the smallest weight difference that you can perceive.