Sensations Flashcards
Absolute Threshold
The smallest level of stimuli that can be detected
Difference Threshold
Smallest noticeable difference between 2 stimuli
Weber’s Law
Difference threshold varies depending on intensity of original stimulus
Transduction
Act of sensing
Sensory Adaption
Growing a tolerance for a stimulus
Signal Detection Theory
Predicts when you will detect a stimulus
- No abs. Threshold
- Factors (alertness, motivation, etc. )
Inattentional Blindness
Not noticeable obvious object because attention was engaged.
Change Blindness
Failing to notice changes in enviroment
Subliminal messages
Detection of stimulus unconsciously.
Mere exposure effect
Repeated exposure to stimuli leads to liking for stimulus
Sensation
The process of detecting a physical stimulus.
Psychophysics
How sensation effects psychology
Pupil
Opening in the iris that lets light in.
Cornea
Clear membrane that covers the front of the eye
Retina
Thin light sensitive membrane located in the back of the eye
Iris
Colored part of the eye
Lens
Transport structure behind the pupil; bend light entering the eye
Accommadation
Process by which the lens changes shape to focus light onto retina.
Feature Decectors
Nerve cells in brain that responds to specific features. (movements, texture)
Ganglion cells
Neurons that connect Bipolar cells
Bipolar Cells
Neurons that connect rods and cones to ganglion cells
Optic nerve
Point where optic nerve crossover.
Trichromatic Theory
There are 3 cones. (red, green, blue) explains colorblindness.
Opponent Process theory
Afterimage
Pairs (red-green) and (blue-yellow)
Auditory perception
Sound waves interact with ear
Sound waves
Changes over time in the pressure of an elastic medium (bounces off objects)
- NO air no sound
Outer ear
Funnels sound into ear
- pinna, ear canal, ear drum
Middle ear
Amplify sounds
- Hammer, anvil, stirrup
Inner Ear
Transduce sound into neural response
- cochlea, basilar membrane, optic nerve
Threshold of pain
Threshold of sound that once crossed will start causing ear damage.
Frequency Theory
Basilar membrane vibrates at the same frequency as the sound waves
- up to 1000 hz
Place Theory
Different frequencies cause larger vibrates at different locations along the basilar membrane
Localization
- 2 ear
- sound that reaches 1 ear before the other
- leading us to find location
Conduction Deafness
Can be help with hearing aid
Nerve Deafness (Sensorineural)
Nerve damage, can not be helped with hearing aid.
Olfactory nerves
Connected to the olfactory bulb in brain
Olfactory Bulb
Enlarged ending of the olfactory cortex at the front of the brain where the sensation of smell is registered.
Cilia and Mucus
Collect info to send to nerves
Anasmia
lack of smell
Pheromones
Chemicals signals released by an animal that communicates info + effects other animals of the same species.
Taste
Sweet, salty, sour, bitter, umami (Savory)
Kenesthetic
Sense of location of body parts in relative to each other.
Proprioceptors
Receptor in muscle joints that help Kinesthetics
Vestibular
Balance
Semicircular canals/ vestibular sacs
Fluid filled parts in the ear that help with balance.
Nociceptors
Free nerve endings that respond to pain
A delta fibers
Quick pain (sharp)
C delta fibers
Slow pain (throbbing)
Gate control theory
Pain is a product of both physiological and psychological factors
Phantom limb pain
Feeling sensation in a limb that is no longer there.
Touch
Pressure (Pacinian receptors)
Itch (histamine)
Temperature
