Asked by Xiaohan Zhang on Sep 29, 2024

Raul is making potato soup.His roommate tastes it and tells Raul it is great,but Raul thinks it needs more salt.He adds just a little salt but doesn't think that he has added enough because he doesn't detect a difference.However,his roommate tastes it again and tells Raul that the soup is now perfect,with just the right amount of salt.Which statement best describes this situation

A)  Raul's roommate has a higher absolute threshold than does Raul. 
B)  Raul has more taste cells on the back of his tongue than does his roommate. 
C)  Raul is a nontaster. 
D)  Raul's roommate can detect a smaller just noticeable difference than Raul can.

Just Noticeable Difference

The minimum difference in stimulation that a person can detect 50% of the time, a concept also known as the threshold of sensation.

Absolute Threshold

The minimum intensity of stimulation that must be achieved in order for a stimulus to be detected 50% of the time.

Taste Cells

Specialized sensory cells located on the taste buds of the tongue, responsible for perceiving different flavors such as sweet, salty, bitter, and sour.

  • Comprehend the principles of absolute threshold and just noticeable difference.
  • Outline the operation and impact of signal detection theory.