Unit 1: Module 1.6a - 1.6b

Question 1

Sensation

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Sensory Receptors

Answer 2

Sensory nerve endings that respond to stimuli

Question 3

Perception

Answer 3

The process by which our brain organizes and interprets sensory information

Question 4

Bottom-Up Processing

Answer 4

Information processing that begins with the sensory receptors and works up to the brain’s integration of sensory information

Question 5

Top-Down Processing

Answer 5

Information processing guided by higher-level mental processes, as when we construct perceptions drawing on our experience and expectations

Question 6

Transduction

Answer 6

Conversion of one form of energy into another. In sensation, the transforming of physical energy, such as the five senses into neural impulses the brain can interpret

Question 7

Psychophysics

Answer 7

The study of relationships between the physical characteristics of stimuli

Question 8

Absolute Threshold

Answer 8

The minimum stimulus energy needed to detect a particular stimulus 50 percent of the time

Question 9

Signal Detection Theory

Answer 9

A theory predicting how and when we detect the presence of a faint stimulus (signal) amid background simulation (noise)

Question 10

Difference Threshold

Answer 10

The minimum difference between two stimuli required for detection 50 percent of the time

Question 11

Weber’s Law

Answer 11

The principle that, to be perceived as different, two stimuli must differ by a constant minimum percentage

Question 12

Sensory Adaptation

Answer 12

Diminished sensitivity as a consequence of constant stimulation

Question 13

Wavelength

Answer 13

The distance from the peak of one light wave or sound wave to the peak of the next

Question 14

Hue

Answer 14

The dimension of color that is determined by the wavelength of light

Question 15

Intensity

Answer 15

The amount of energy in a light wave or sound wave, which influences what we perceive as brightness or loudness

Question 16

Cornea

Answer 16

The eye’s clear, protective outer layer that covers the pupil and iris

Question 17

Pupil

Answer 17

The adjustable opening in the center of the eye through which light enters

Question 18

Iris

Answer 18

A ring of muscle tissue that forms the colored portion of the eye around the pupil and controls the size of the pupil opening

Question 19

Lens

Answer 19

The transparent structure behind the pupil that changes the shape to help focus images on the retina

Question 20

Retina

Answer 20

The light-sensitive back inner surface of the eye, containing the receptor rods and cones plus layers of neurons that begin processing of visual information

Question 21

Accomodation

Answer 21

The process by which the eye’s lens changes shape to focus images of near or far objects on the retina

Question 22

Rods

Answer 22

Retinal receptors that detect, black, white, and gray, and are sensitive to movement

Question 23

Cones

Answer 23

Retinal receptors that are concentrated near the center of the retina and that function in daylight or in well-lit conditions

Question 24

Optic Nerve

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Blind Spot

Answer 25

The point at which the optic nerve leaves the eye, creating a “blind” spot

Question 26

Foeva

Answer 26

The central focal point in the retina, around which the eye’s cones cluster

Question 27

Opponent-Process Theory

Answer 27

The theory that opposing retinal processes enable color visionFe

Question 28

Feature Detectors

Answer 28

Nerve cells in the brain’s visual cortex that respond to specific features of stimulus like shapes or movement

Question 29

Parallel Processing

Answer 29

Processing multiple aspects of a stimulus or problem simultaneously

Question 30

Young-Helmholtz Trichromatic (three-color) theory

Answer 30

The theory that the retina contains three different types of color receptors