Final answer:
The method of distinguishing sensory stimuli that takes into account not only the stimuli's strengths but also such variable elements as the setting, your physical state, your mood, and your attitudes is Signal Detection Theory.
Step-by-step explanation:
The method of distinguishing sensory stimuli that takes into account not only the stimuli's strengths but also such variable elements as the setting, your physical state, your mood, and your attitudes is Signal Detection Theory. Signal Detection Theory is a psychological theory that explains how we make decisions about sensory stimuli that are ambiguous or difficult to detect.
For example, imagine you are in a quiet room and you hear a faint knocking sound. Your ability to detect and interpret that sound will be influenced by factors such as how alert you are, your emotional state, and your personal beliefs about the likelihood of someone knocking on the door. Signal Detection Theory helps us understand how these factors can affect our perception and interpretation of sensory stimuli.
Therefore, the correct answer is C. Signal Detection Theory.