Exam 1 Flashcards
(168 cards)
What is signal detection theory?
A psychophysical theory that quantifies the response of an observer to the presentation of a signal in the presence of noise. Measures obtained from a series of presentations are sensitivity (d) and criterion of the observer
The sixth pair of cranial nerves which innervate the lateral rectus muscle of the eyeball
Abducens (VI) nerves
The minimum amount of stimulation necessary for a person to detect stimulus 50% of the time
Absolute threshold
Also referred to as connectionist models, are computational methods that consist of networks of nodes with weighted connections between them. Connection weights increase and decrease following experience in ways that resemble organization of biological networks.
Artificial neural networks
Theoretical and or computational models that employ Bayesian statistical methods to generate an internal model of the source of sensory inputs based upon prior experience
Bayesian models
The ratio of oxygenated to deoxygenated hemoglobin that permits the localization of brain neurons that are most involved in the task
Blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal
The use of mathematical language and equations to describe steps in psychological and/or neural processes (often implemented on a computer)
Computational model
12 pairs of nerves (one for each side of the body) that originate in the brain stem and reach sense organs and muscles through openings in the skull
Cranial nerves
In reference to signal detection theory, an internal threshold, that is set by the observer. If the internal response is above criterion, the observer gives one response (e.g. “yes, i hear that”). Below criterion the observer gives another response (“no, i hear nothing”)
Criterion
The ability to match the intensities of sensations that come from different sensory modalities. This ability allows insight into sensory differences. For example, a listener might adjust the brightness of the light until it matches the loudness of a tone
Cross-modality matching
Artificial neural networks that have a very large number of layers of nodes with millions of connections
Deep neural networks
A doctrine formulated by Johannes Müller, stating that the nature of a sensation depends on which sensory fibers are stimulated rather than how they are stimulated
Doctrine of specific nerve energies
The idea that the mind has an existence separate from the material world of the body
Dualism
Theoretical, and or computational models that explain neural processing by assuming that sensory systems become tuned to predictability in natural environments in ways that economically encode predictable sensory inputs, while highlighting inputs that are less predictable
Efficient coding models
A technique that, using many electrodes on the scalp, measures electrical activity from populations of many neurons in the brain
Electroencephalography (EEG)
A measure of electrical activity from a subpopulation of neurons in response to particular stimuli that requires averaging many EEG recordings
Event related potential (ERP)
A principle describing the relationship between stimulus and resulting sensation that says the magnitude of subjective sensation increases proportionally to the logarithm of the stimulus intensity
Fechner’s law
A variant of magnetic resonance imaging that makes it possible to measure localized patterns of activity in the brain. Activated neurons provoke increased blood flow, which can be quantified by measuring changes in the response of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to strong magnetic fields
fMRI
The smallest detectable difference between two stimuli or the minimum change in a stimulus that enables it to be correctly judged as different from a reference stimulus
Just noticeable difference (JND) or difference threshold
An imaging technology that uses the responses of atoms to strong magnetic fields to form images of structures, like the brain. The method can be adopted to measure activity in the brain as well.
MRI
A technique similar to EEG that measures changes in magnetic activity across populations of many neurons in the brain
Magnetoencephalography (MEG)
A psychophysical method in which the participant assigns values according to perceived magnitude of the stimuli
Magnitude estimation
A pattern of light striking the eye, making photo receptors activate is ____, whereas recognizing the pattern of light as a cat is _____.
Sensation, perception
Which conceptual approach to understanding sensation, and perception might measure the lowest volume that you can hear a different frequencies?
Thresholds