Kaplan Ch. 2 - Sensation and Perception

Question 1

What is signal detection theory?

Answer 1

This is a theory of explaining the way that people perceive signals. It focuses on the changes in perception of the same stimulus as a function of internal and external context.

Question 2

What is response bias?

Answer 2

The tendency of subjects to systematically respond to a stimulus in a particular way due to non-sensory factors

Question 3

What is parallel processing?

Answer 3

The ability to simultaneously analyze and combine information regarding color, shape and motion

Question 4

What are the name of cells that discriminate different shapes?

Answer 4

Parvocellular cells, they have high color and spatial resolution –> allow for the ability to see fine detail

Question 5

What are the name of cells that discriminate changes in motion?

Answer 5

Magnocellular cells, these cells have poor spatial resolution but high temporal resolution and allow for the processing of information about fast moving objects

Question 6

What are the 4 modalities of touch?

Answer 6

Pressure, vibration, temperature, pain

Question 7

What is the gate theory of pain?

Answer 7

Special “gating” that turns pain signals on/off