Psych 5 Flashcards
analysis that begins with the sensory receptors and works up to the brain’s integration of sensory information
bottom-up processing
information processing guided by higher-level mental processes, as when we construct perceptions drawing on our experience and expectations
top-down processing
conversion of one form of energy into another. In sensation, the transforming of stimulus energies, such as sights, sounds, and smells, into neural impulses our brains can interpret.
Transduction
the minimum stimulus energy needed to detect a particular stimulus 50 percent of the time
Absolute Threshold
a theory predicting how and when we detect the presence of a faint stimulus amid background stimulation (noise). Assumes there is no single absolute threshold and that detection depends partly on a person’s experience, expectations, motivation, and alertness.
Signal Detection Theory
below one’s absolute threshold for conscious awareness
Subliminal
the activation, often unconsciously, of certain associations, thus predisposing one’s perception, memory, or response
Primining
the minimum difference between two stimuli required for detection 50 percent of the time
Difference Threshold
the principle that, to be perceived as different, two stimuli must differ by a constant minimum percentage (rather than a constant amount)
Weber’s Law
diminished sensitivity as a consequence of constant stimulation
Sensory Adaptation
a mental predisposition to perceive one thing and not another
Perceptual Set
the light-sensitive inner surface of the eye, containing the receptor rods and cones plus layers of neurons that begin the processing of visual information
Retina
the process by which the eye’s lens changes shape to focus near or far objects on the retina
Accommodation
retinal receptors that detect black, white, and gray; necessary for peripheral and twilight vision, when cones don’t respond
Rods
retinal receptor cells that are concentrated near the center of the retina and that function in daylight or in well-lit conditions. Detect fine detail and give rise to color sensations.
Cones
the central focal point in the retina, around which the eye’s cones cluster
Fovea
the theory that opposing retinal processes (red-green, yellow-blue, white-black) enable color vision. For example, some cells are stimulated by green and inhibited by red; others are stimulated by red and inhibited by green
Opponent Process Theory
nerve cells in the brain that respond to specific features of the stimulus, such as shape, angle, or movement
Feature Detectors
an organized whole. Used by Psychologists to emphasize our tendency to integrate pieces of information into meaningful wholes.
Gestalt
the organization of the visual field into objects that stand out from their surroundings
Figure Ground
depth cues, such as retinal disparity, that depend on the use of two eyes
Binocular Clues
a binocular cue for perceiving depth by comparing images from the retinas in the two eyes, the brain computes distance—the greater the disparity (difference) between the two images, the closer the object.
Retinal Disparity
depth cues, such as interposition and linear perspective, available to either eye alone
Monocular cues
an illusion of movement created when two or more adjacent lights blink on and off in quick succession
Phi Phenomenon
the chamber between the eardrum and cochlea containing three tiny bones (hammer, anvil, and stirrup) that concentrate the vibrations of the eardrum on the cochlea’s oval window
Middle Ear
a coiled, bony, fluid-filled tube in the inner ear; sound waves traveling through the cochlear fluid trigger nerve impulses
Cochlea
hearing loss caused by damage to the cochlea’s receptor cells or to the auditory nerves; also called nerve deafness
sensorineural hearing loss
less common form of hearing loss caused by damage to the mechanical system that conducts sound waves to the cochlea
Conduction hearing loss
in hearing, the theory that links the pitch we hear with the place where the cochlea’s membrane is stimulated
Place Theory
in hearing, the theory that the rate of nerve impulses traveling up the auditory nerve matches the frequency of a tone, thus enabling us to sense its pitch
Frequency Theory
the theory that the spinal cord contains a neurological “gate” that blocks pain signals or allows them to pass on to the brain. The “gate” is opened by the activity of pain signals traveling up small nerve fibers and is closed by activity in larger fibers or by information coming from the brain.
Gate Control Theory
a split in consciousness, which allows some thoughts and behaviors to occur simultaneously with others
Dissociation
the sense of body movement and position, including the sense of balance
Vestibular sense
the influence of bodily sensations, gestures, and other states on cognitive preferences and judgements
Embodied Cognition
the study of paranormal phenomena, including ESP and psychokinesis
Parapsychology
