Distinguish between a stimulus and a sensation; recognize the interplay between the two that inspired some of the first psychologists to measure them.

• Explain how physical energy becomes a psychological experience.
• Determine the minimum amount of stimulation needed to register on our senses.
• Differentiate between measurements for the smallest amount of stimulation detectable and the smallest change in stimulation detectable.

Imagine what life would be like for one day without sensation.

• List the steps that occur when the human visual system converts light into meaningful color images.
• Describe the structures in the auditory system that convert vibrating air molecules into meaningful sounds.
• Compare and contrast the chemical senses of smell to taste.
• Examine how those who have synesthesia experience the world.

Summarize the steps we take to perceive our world as adults.

• List the ways that perception is an active mental process.
• Discuss how we manage to identify objects despite apparent changes in their size, shape, and other features.
• Describe how we perceive depth in three-dimensional space.
• Examine whether our perceptual skills are inborn or learned from experience.
• Critique why humans fall prey to perceptual illusions.