Final answer:
Sensory adaptation is a biological process where sensory receptors become less sensitive to unchanging stimuli, allowing us to focus on more important changes in our environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sensory adaptation is a phenomenon that occurs when the sensory receptors in our bodies become less responsive to a stimulus that doesn't change. This happens because our receptors detect changes in our environment rather than every single static stimulus. For example, when you first notice a flashing light, it may be distracting, but after a while, you cease to perceive it because your sensory receptors have adapted to it, and your attention has shifted. This adaptation allows our senses to focus on more important changes in our surroundings, which can be critical for survival.
Signal detection theory is another concept related to how we perceive stimuli. It explains how we can identify important stimuli amidst background noise, such as a mother hearing her baby's murmur but not other sounds. Motivation can influence this detection, highlighting how our psychological state can affect sensory processing.
Overall, sensory adaptation illustrates how our perceptions are shaped not only by the stimuli in the environment but also by our sensory capabilities, cognitive functions, and attention. It highlights the difference between sensation and perception, and how our nervous system integrates and prioritizes sensory information.