Final answer:
The difference between the cut-out and cut-in points of a control is known as hysteresis, distinguishing it from concepts like absolute threshold and just noticeable difference (jnd) which relate to stimulus detection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between the cut-out and cut-in points of a control is known as hysteresis. This term describes the lag between the input and output of a system, such as in a thermostat, where the temperature must rise above or drop below the set point before the system responds, thereby preventing constant switching on and off. In contrast, the absolute threshold refers to the minimum amount of stimulus energy required to be detected 50% of the time. The difference threshold, also known as the just noticeable difference (jnd), is the amount of change in a stimulus required to detect a difference between two stimuli. This concept was put forth by Ernst Weber in the 1830s and is integral to understanding how the intensity of a stimulus affects our sensitivity to changes in that stimulus.