Module 19 (Sensory Processing)

Question 1

Sensation

Answer 1

the process by which our sensory receptors and nervous system receive and represent stimulus energies from our environment

Question 1

Perception

Answer 1

the process by which our brain organizes and interprets sensory info., enabling us to recognize objects and events as meaningful

Question 2

Transduction

Answer 2

-conversion of physical energy, such as sight, sound, and smell into neural impulses our brain can interpret
-done through receptors (transmit energy from outside into the nervous system)

Question 3

Adequate stimulus

Answer 3

-amount of energy required to stimulate a sensory organ
-a form of energy that will most readily bring about a response
-ex. vision= light, hearing= change in air pressure, taste= chemical substances

Question 4

Law of specific nerve energies

Answer 4

-When specific nerves are stimulated, there will be a stimulation of that process

Question 5

Physical properties in vision

Answer 5

-wavelength = color
-amplitude = brightness (intensity)

Question 6

Photoreceptor

Answer 6

-specialized cells located in the retina of the eye that convert light into electrical signals
-includes cones and rods

Question 7

cones

Answer 7

-retinal receptors that are concentrated near the center of the retina
-function in daylight or well-lit conditions -6 million in eye
-detect fine detail and give rise to color sensations

Question 8

rods

Answer 8

-retinal receptors that detect black, white, and gray
-are sensitive to movement
-120 million in eye
-necessary for twilight and peripheral vision
-not sensitive to different wavelengths (color)

Question 9

optic nerve

Answer 9

the nerve that carries nerve impulses from the eye to the brain

Question 10

Occipital lobe

Answer 10

back of brain, receives info. from visual fields

Question 11

Feature detectors

Answer 11

-nerve cells in the brain’s visual cortex that respond to specific features of the stimulus, such as shape, angle, or movement
-Some will fire for horizontal but not vertical line, some fire if see L but not straight line

Question 12

Trichromatic theory

Answer 12

-the retina contains three different types of color receptors (ones more sensitive to red, green, blue)
-when stimulated in combination, can produces perception of any color

Question 13

After images

Answer 13

-if person stares at green image for a while the looks at white paper, they will see green’s opponent color red
-Staring at green tired our green response, then stare at white, which contains all colors, so only red part of green-red fires normally

Question 14

Opponent-process theory

Answer 14

-the theory that opposing retinal processes (red-green, blue-yellow, white-black) enable our color vision
-Neurons responding to one wavelength inhibit firing of neurons responding to opponent pair
-explains afterimages (fatigue)