Chap 2 - sensation and perception

Question 1

State what are the 2 thresholds and define them

Answer 1

1. Absolute threshold
   - minimum amt of stimulation needed to be detected
2. Difference threshold
   - smallest amt. where a stimuli can be changed and diffference detected

Question 2

Define Weber’s law

Answer 2

Size of JND proportional to intensity of stimulus

Question 3

Define the signal detection theory

Answer 3

Sensation is a judgement the sensory system makes about incoming situation
- occurs unconsciously

Question 4

Explain the 2 reasons why threshold vary

Answer 4

1. Variability in human judgement

2. Conditions where signal occur

Question 5

Desc process of perception of visual images

Answer 5

-

Question 6

Why is the sky blue?

Answer 6

• diff wavelengths hence diff perception of colours

- blue wavelength os light is reflected

Question 7

State the 2 diff visual stimulations to sensation

Answer 7

1. Wavelength —> Color

2. Amplitude (intensity) —> brightness

Question 8

Desc the function of the visual cortex

Answer 8

1. Take 2D patterns from each eye and assemble them into 3D patterns
2. Combine visual sensation w memories

Question 9

Desc the trichromatic theory and where it occurs

Answer 9

• @ cones of retina

- colours are sensed by 3 diff types of cones sensitive to light in the red,blue and green wavelength

Question 10

Desc the opponent process theory and where it happens

Answer 10

• @ bipolar cells and beyond

- cells in visual system process colours in complementary pairs

Question 11

Frequency —>??

Amplitude —> ??

Answer 11

Pitch

Volume

Question 12

Desc and explain place theory

Answer 12

• explains pitch perception

- says that diff places on basilar membrane send neural codes of diff pitches to auditory cortex at brain

Question 13

What is “vestibular sense”? And which receptors are involved?

Answer 13

• Sense of body orientation wrt to gravity

- tiny hair cells semi-circular canals of ear

Question 14

What is “kinesthetic sense”? And which receptors are involved?

Answer 14

• Sense of body position and movement of body parts wrt to each other
• inside joints, muscle and tendons

Question 15

What is so special about smell perception ?

Answer 15

Smell signals DON’T pass through the thalamus

Question 16

What are the receptors involved in smell?

Answer 16

Nasal receptors

Question 17

Desc the receptors for taste

Answer 17

• located in taste buds (CANNOT see)

- cluster in papillae

Question 18

What are the receptors involved in pain perception ?

Answer 18

Nociceptors in skin

Question 19

what is the theory supporting nature of perception define it

Answer 19

gestalt theory
- perception is shaped by innate factors built into the brain

• gestalt says that we should focus on the whole rather than its individual parts

Question 20

what are the 2 types of ambiguous figures?

Answer 20

1. figure and ground

2. closure

Question 21

what are the 5 gestalt laws of perceptual grouping?

SPPCC

Answer 21

law of:

1. similarity
2. proximity
3. continuity
4. pragnanz
5. commmon fate

Question 22

what are the 3 components of learning-based inference?

Answer 22

1. context and expectations
2. perceptual set
3. cultural influence

Question 23

desc “perceptual set”

Answer 23

• readiness to detect particular stimulus in a given context
• transform ambiguous stimulus into the one you are expecting

Question 24

what does depth perception depend on?

Answer 24

1. binocular cues

2. monocular cues

Question 25

desc “binocular cues”

Answer 25

• info taken in w both eyes that helps in depth perception

- includes binocular convergence & retinal disparity

Question 26

what is binocular convergence?

Answer 26

• how lines of vision from each eye converge at DIFF ANGLES on objects at DIFF DISTANCE

Question 27

desc “monocular cues”

Answer 27

• info about depth that relies on the input from 1 eye