Hearing and Language

Question 1

How do sensory receptors convert stimuli into useable information?

Answer 1

(Vision) Light to chemical energy
(Audition) Sound to mechanical energy
(Somatosensory) Pain, touch, pressure to mechanical energy

Question 2

Vibration and sound

Answer 2

Vibration = sensation
Sound = perception

Sound = vibrations of air molecules that are transmitted to the ear and are perceived by the brain

Question 3

Physical and perceptual dimension regardless

Answer 3

Amplitude - loudness
Frequency - pitch
Complexity - timbre

Question 4

Amplitude

Answer 4

Perceived intensity of sound (loudness dB)

Human auditory system is sensitive to quiet sounds

Question 5

Frequency

Answer 5

Sound waves travel at a fixed speed but vary in wavelength

Perceived as low and high pitch (Hz)

Question 6

Complexity

Answer 6

Corresponds to our perception of timbre or uniqueness

Pure = sounds with single frequency
Complex = sounds with a mixture of frequencies

Question 7

Portions of the ear

Answer 7

Outer ear - Capturing and amplifying vibrations in the air
Middle ear - Transduction of sound waves from air pressure to mechanical energy; amplification (ossicles)
Inner ear - Conversion of mechanical signal to neural signal