AAMC FL Practice Exam

Which term refers to the stimulus that is detected by our sensory receptors?

1. Recall cues

2. Context effects

3. Proximal stimulus

4. Culture lag

The correct answer is: Proximal stimulus

The term that refers to the stimulus detected by our sensory receptors is known as the proximal stimulus. This concept is fundamental in the study of perception. The proximal stimulus is the form of the stimulus that actually stimulates the sensory receptors, leading to a sensory experience. For instance, when light reflects off an object, the light waves that reach our eyes are the proximal stimuli that our visual system interprets. In contrast, other terms mentioned do not specifically describe sensory stimuli. Recall cues refer to hints or prompts that help an individual retrieve stored memories. Context effects describe how the context in which information is presented can influence perception and memory retrieval. Culture lag refers to the period of time it takes for a society's non-material culture to catch up with changes in its material culture. Thus, proximal stimulus is the precise term that identifies the specific sensory input received by the sensory organs, leading to the perception of the external world.