In a psychophysical experiment, observers first view a display in which small dots on a computer screen all move steadily toward the right. They then view a second stimulus in which they have to determine whether a patch of dots is stationary or moving. Based on your text's discussion and your knowledge of psychophysics, you might predict that the first display would:
A)decrease observers' absolute threshold for motion detection
B)increase observers' absolute threshold for motion detection
C)have little or no effect on observers' absolute threshold for motion detection
D)decrease observers' difference threshold for motion detection

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

After viewing a display where dots move steadily to the right, observers' sensitivity to motion might be reduced, making it harder (requiring a stronger stimulus) to detect motion. This is because the visual system might adapt to the motion, increasing the absolute threshold for motion detection.

In a Psychophysical Experiment, Observers First View a Display in Which