Sensory threshold is a theoretical concept used in psychophysics. A stimulus that is less intense than the sensory threshold will not elicit any sensation. Whilst the concept can be applied to all senses, it is most commonly applied to the detection and perception of flavours and aromas. Several different sensory thresholds have been defined;

• Absolute threshold: the lowest level at which a stimulus can be detected.
• Recognition threshold: the level at which a stimulus can not only be detected but also recognised.
• Differential threshold: the level at which an increase in a detected stimulus can be perceived.
• Terminal threshold: the level beyond which a stimulus is no longer detected.

See also

• Detection theory
• Odor detection threshold
• Perception
• Psychophysics
• Sensory analysis

Perception

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