Jason and Mark were talking in class, but so was everyone else. As they continued to discuss their day's adventures, it suddenly became clear to them that the teacher was staring at them. They hadn't realized that the class had been called to order and what was once only one conversation among many was now disruptive. Jason apologized quickly and the teacher resumed her normal activities. This situation illustrates what important aspect of perception?
A) A person's ability to detect a difference between two stimuli is absolute.
B) A person's ability to detect a difference between two stimuli is relative.
C) Men's perceptual filters are underdeveloped compared to those of women.
D) Adaptation is a common problem among younger people.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The situation illustrates that perception is relative, as Jason and Mark only noticed their behavior was disruptive when the context changed (the rest of the class became quiet), not because the volume of their conversation changed.

Jason and Mark Were Talking in Class, but So Was