How are physical sources of stimulation related to our experience of these stimuli studied?

The study of how physical sources of stimulation relate to our experience of these stimuli is best captured by the concept of psychophysics. Psychophysics is a branch of psychology that quantitatively investigates the relationship between physical stimuli and the sensations and perceptions they produce. It examines how changes in the physical properties of stimuli, such as intensity and frequency, correspond to the psychological experiences associated with those stimuli, like the perception of lightness or loudness.

This field employs methods to measure thresholds, such as the minimum intensity at which a stimulus can be detected (absolute threshold) or when changes in the intensity of a stimulus can be noticed (difference threshold). Through these measurements, psychophysics explores the ways our sensory systems interpret and react to various physical stimuli, providing insights into our perceptual experiences.