How is the difference threshold defined?

The difference threshold, also known as the just noticeable difference (JND), is defined as the minimum amount of difference needed between two stimuli for them to be perceived as different. This concept is fundamental in understanding sensory perception, as it highlights how our sensory systems detect changes in stimuli rather than absolute levels. For example, if you were holding a weight that is increased incrementally, the difference threshold represents the smallest increment that you would notice as a change in weight.

This concept is crucial in various fields such as psychology, marketing, and sensory analysis, where understanding the perception of differences can impact decision-making and behavior. The threshold does not concern itself with the absolute strength or intensity of a single stimulus but rather focuses on discerning changes between two stimuli.