Weber discovered that the smallest change in the magnitude of a stimulus that can be detected is
A) a set fraction of the absolute threshold of the stimulus.
B) a set fraction of the original magnitude of the stimulus.
C) a fixed increment that varies by stimulus.
D) an increment that varies by individual.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Weber discovered the concept known as Weber's Law, which states that the smallest change in the magnitude of a stimulus that can be detected (the just noticeable difference) is a constant proportion of the original intensity of the stimulus. This means that the amount of change needed to notice a difference is relative to the initial intensity of the stimulus, not a fixed amount or dependent on the absolute threshold or individual differences.

Weber Discovered That the Smallest Change in the Magnitude of a Stimulus