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Myers Ap Psych: Chapter 5 (Sensation) Flashcards

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3093378248SensationThe process by which our sensory receptors and nervous system receive and represent stimulus energies from our environment.0
3093382233PerceptionThe process of organizing and interpreting sensory information, enabling us to recognize meaningful objects and events.1
3093459271Bottom-up processingAnalysis that begins with the sensory receptors and works up to the brain's integration of sensory information.2
3093462870Top-down processingInformation processing guided by higher level mental processes, as when we construct perceptions by drawing on our experiences and expectations.3
3093476850Absolute thresholdThe minimum stimulation needed to detect a particular stimulus 50 percent of the time.4
3093480454Signal Detection TheoryA theory predicting how and when we detect the presence of a faint stimulus ("signal") amid background stimulation ("noise"). Detection depends partly on a person's experience, expectations, motivation, and level of fatigue.5
3093493485Difference thresholdThe minimum difference between two stimuli required for detection 50 percent of the time. (Just noticeable difference)6
3093497126SubliminalBelow one's absolute threshold for conscious awareness (Detected less than 50% of the time)7
3093503797Weber's LawThe principle that, to be perceived as different, two stimuli must differ by a constant minimum percentage (Light- 8%, Weight-2%, Tones-0.3% frequency change). The larger amount of stimulus present the large change needed to detect the change.8
3093528970Sensory adaptationDiminished sensitivity as a consequence of constant stimulation.9
3093538476TransductionConversion of one form of energy into another. Transforming stimulus energies (sights, sounds, smells) into neural impulses our brains can interpret10
3093550859Wavelength (HUE)Distance from one peak of one light/sound wave to the peak of the next. Determines the energy's HUE (color we see)11
3093562951Intensity (AMPLITUDE)Amount of energy in light waves (determined by AMPLITUDE - height of the wave) influences the brightness of the color we perceive.12
3093573188PupilAdjustable opening in the center of the eye through which light enters.13
3093575819IrisRing of muscle tissue around the pupil that controls the size of the pupil opening (Determines the color of your eye)14
3093580654LensTransparent structure behind the pupil that changes shape to focus the image on the retina15
3093582513RetinaLight sensitive inner surface of the eye, containing receptor rods and cones plus layers of neurons that begin the process of visual information.16
3093588124RodsRetinal receptors that detect black, white, and gray (Peripheral and low light vision).17
3093591250ConesRetinal receptor cells that are concentrated near the center of the retina. Detect colors in daylight and well lit conditions.18
3093598971FoveaCentral focal point in the retina (location of the eye's cones).19
3093604292Optic Nerve (BLIND SPOT)Nerve that carries neural impulses from the eye to the brain (creating a BLIND SPOT because there are no receptor cells there)20
3093610995Feature detectorsNerve cells in the brain that respond to specific features of the stimulus, such as shape, angle, or movement.21
3093620659Parallel ProcessingProcessing several aspects of a problem at the same time (including color, depth, movement, and form)22
3093630732Young-Helmholtz Trichromatic (three color) TheoryThe retina contains three different color receptors (red, green, blue) - when stimulated in combination can produce the perception of any color.23
3093637619Opponent-Process TheoryOpposing retinal processes (red-green, yellow-blue, white-black) that enable vision.24
3093661818PitchTone's experienced highness or lowness (depends on the frequency - length of the wave)25
3093670201Middle EarThree tiny bones (hammer/malleus, anvil/incus, & stirrup/stapes) that concentrate the vibrations of the eardrum on the cochlea's oval window.26
3093688504CochleaSnail shaped fluid filled tube of the inner ear that is lines with tiny hair cells. Sound waves trigger nerve impulses through these hairs.27
3093718462Conduction hearing lossCaused by damage to the mechanical system (bones in middle ear) that conducts sound waves to the cochlea.28
3093722979Sensorineural hearing loss (Nerve Deafness)Caused by damage to the cochlea's receptors (hair cells) or the auditory nerve.29
3093739846KinesthesisThe system for sensing the position and movement of individual body parts.30
3093742252Vestibular SenseSense of body movement and position, including the sense of balance (sense of equilibrium located in inner ear).31

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