Visual Perception Flashcards
Absolute Threshold
The minimum level of energy required for a stimulus outside our body to be detected by our internal senses.
Reception
Stimulus energy is collected by the sense organ.
Transduction
Stimulus energy is converted by the receptor cells into electrochemical nerve impulses.
Transmission
The sending of neural signals to the primary sensory cortex here specialised receptor cells respond as the process of perception begins.
Selection
The process of selecting the important sensory information on which to focus attention from the millions of stimuli we receive.
Organisation
Sensory information reaches the brain and is reorganised so we can make sense of it.
Interpretation
Stimulus is given meaning in the brain based on our past experiences, motives, values and context.
Interpretation
Stimulus is given meaning in the brain based on our past experiences, motives, values and context.
Sensation
The process whereby our sensory organs or receptors receive information about the environment and transmit t to the brain.
Photoreceptors
A layer of specialised nerve cells that detects visual stimuli; they make up the retina located at the back of the eye and convert (transduce) visual light energy (electromagnetic radiation or light waves within our visual spectrum) into electrochemical energy (nerve impulses).
Rods
The photoreceptors providing peripheral vision in black and white; they work in dim light.
Cones
The photoreceptors providing clear vision in colour; they work in bright light.
Optic Nerve
The two tracts of neurons that transmit visual information from the eyes to the occipital lobes of the brain.
Receptive Field
A particular region of the visual space.
Retinal Ganglion Cell
A type of neuron that is located near the surface of the retina; visual information from the photoreceptors is received by the retinal ganglion cells.
