You are with friends at a sports bar and take a bite of the extra-hot chicken wings they just ordered. Your initial bite sets your mouth on fire, but after a couple of wings they do not seem nearly as hot. What perceptual process best explains this phenomenon?
A) absolute threshold
B) difference threshold
C) Weber's Law
D) sensory adaptation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sensory adaptation is the process by which sensory receptors become less responsive to a constant or unchanging stimulus. In this case, the initial bite of the extra-hot chicken wings was a unique and intense sensation for the taste buds, but with repeated exposure to the same stimulus, the receptors become less sensitive and the perception of the heat diminishes. This is why after a couple of wings, they do not seem nearly as hot.

You Are with Friends at a Sports Bar and Take