Sensation Flashcards
(8 cards)
How are sensory stimuli converted into neural events?
Sensory receptors detect stimuli and transform them into electrical signals (neural impulses) that the brain interprets.
What is Müller’s doctrine of specific nerve energies?
Each sensory nerve responds to one type of stimulus, so the brain interprets signals based on which nerve is activated, not the stimulus itself.
What are absolute and difference thresholds? Why are they important?
Absolute threshold: Minimum stimulus intensity detectable.
Difference threshold: Smallest change in stimulus noticed.
They help measure sensory sensitivity and perception limits.
What are response bias and signal detection theory?
Response bias is a tendency to respond in a certain way regardless of stimulus. Signal detection theory explains how people detect stimuli amid noise, considering both sensitivity and bias.
What are the parts and functions of the human visual system?
Cornea & lens: Focus light.
Retina: Contains photoreceptors (rods & cones).
Optic nerve: Sends visual info to brain.
How does color vision work? What theories support it?
Color vision uses cones sensitive to red, green, and blue light.
Trichromatic theory: 3 types of cones detect colors.
Opponent-process theory: Colors are processed in opposing pairs (red-green, blue-yellow).
What are the physiological components of the auditory system?
Place theory: Different sound frequencies stimulate different places on the cochlea.
Frequency theory: Pitch is based on the rate of neural firing.
What are pheromones and their role in olfaction?
Pheromones are chemical signals released by animals that influence behavior and communication through smell.
