What is the difference between absolute and difference thresholds?

The chosen answer accurately defines the two concepts in question. The absolute threshold refers to the minimum intensity of a stimulus that an individual can detect. This threshold is critical in determining the limits of human sensory capabilities, such as the faintest sound or the dimmest light that can be perceived.

On the other hand, the difference threshold, also known as just noticeable difference (JND), indicates the smallest detectable difference between two stimuli. This concept emphasizes how we perceive changes in stimuli rather than the presence of a stimulus itself. For example, if you're holding a weight, the difference threshold would be the minimum additional weight that you can perceive as heavier.

Understanding these definitions is fundamental in sensation and perception, as they illustrate how our sensory systems operate both in terms of detecting stimuli and discerning changes or variations among them.