Unit 3: Perception and Sensory Experience at a Concert

George is excited to see his favorite singer in person. He is planning on meeting up with a few college roommates, but he cannot find them before the music begins. He enters the crowded concert hall so that he will not miss any of his favorite songs. Even though he is far away from the stage, he can still see the musicians and he enjoys the energy from the others at the concert.

Explain how the following factors may affect George’s experience of the concert, using the band members on the stage and the audience members to frame your responses:

Relative size

Just noticeable difference (difference threshold)

Interposition

Sensory adaptation

After George’s college roommates arrive, they see him ahead in the crowd and begin calling his name, but he does not hear them. Explain how the following areas/factors may hinder George’s ability to hear his college roommates calling his name:

Lobe(s) of the brain

Signal detection theory

Selective attention