Final answer:
The statement about being able to hear a pin drop suggests that as sensory input decreases, our ability to detect subtle changes in intensity increases, which is consistent with the understanding of an absolute threshold in sensory perception.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement ‘It was so quiet I could hear a pin drop’ is most related to the following statement: a) As sensory input decreases, our ability to detect changes in input or intensity increases. This concept relates to the absolute threshold of sensory perception, meaning that in very quiet conditions, we have an increased sensitivity to slight noises since there is less overall sensory input to compete with the sound of the pin dropping.
The relative quiet heightens our senses, making us more aware of minor changes in the environment. In situations where there is high noise exposure, not only is it hazardous to our hearing, but it also reduces our ability to discern quiet sounds because the heightened sound intensity overwhelms the hair cells in our inner ear.
Just as we may struggle to hear a conversation partner in a loud environment, in a quiet setting, fewer competing stimuli can mean that even very soft sounds are detectable.