Biological Influences and Sensory Adaptation - Essay Example

The basic reason for the sensory adaptation is the change in the sensitivity of sensory receptors that takes place by the repetition of a stimulus of similar effectiveness. However, the sense of pain is the only exception. It can be explained by quoting various examples such as the adaptation of body on coming in contact with specific temperature changes. As long as the strength of the temperature stimulus is not extreme, human body adapts to it like scorching hot water, the human body becomes accommodating to such stimulus very quickly due to the occurrence of sensory adaptation in the sensory receptors embedded in the skin (Examples of Sensory Adaptation).

Experiments The first of the three experiments performed, was to rub the index finger softly over a small piece of sandpaper repeatedly and then the coarseness of this sandpaper was to be rated on a scale of 1 to 7 depicting the increase in coarseness from 1 to 7. This initial rubbing resulted in rating the coarseness to a level of 7 showing extremely coarse. After a few minutes, the finger was rubbed again on the same paper and this time again it has to be rated on the same scale. Upon repeating the same procedure, it was found that the coarseness was found to be decreased by repetition and this time it was rated as 4.

A considerable change in perception has resulted. This change in perceiving the coarseness resulted due to sensory adaptation that occurred within the sensory receptors of touch residing in the skin. The second practical demonstration involved taking two empty cups and then filling one cup with sugar solution while the other one with plain water. The sugar solution was then sipped up, swished within the mouth for a few seconds and then spat. With the passage of time the sensation of water solution sweetness was found to be declining and when the same procedure was repeated with plain water the taste was found to be obscure and surprisingly salty though no salt was added to it.

To proceed further, another experiment was performed employing three bowls of medium sizes.