Question

soothing musical cds that contain imperceptible messages designed to help people eat more fruits and vegetables is an example of _______

sensory adaptation
absolute threshold
subliminal stimulation
difference threshold

Explanation:

Analyze the key term in the prompt

The prompt describes "imperceptible messages" embedded within soothing music. "Imperceptible" means these stimuli are presented below the absolute threshold for conscious awareness.

Evaluate the given options

• sensory adaptation: A decrease in sensitivity to a constant, unchanging stimulus over time.
• absolute threshold: The minimum intensity of stimulation needed to detect a stimulus 50% of the time.
• subliminal stimulation: Sensory stimulation that is below a person's absolute threshold for conscious perception.
• difference threshold: The minimum difference between two stimuli required for detection 50% of the time.

Select the correct term

Since the messages are imperceptible (below the threshold of conscious awareness) yet intended to influence behavior, this is a classic example of subliminal stimulation.

Answer:

• sensory adaptation
• absolute threshold
• subliminal stimulation (Correct answer)
• difference threshold