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Psych 312 - Unit 4 & Final
Dr. Cooper - Iowa State University
97
Psychology
Undergraduate 3
12/14/2013

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Cards

Term
sensation
Definition
initial detection & encoding of environmental energy
Term
perception
Definition
organizing & interpreting sensations into meaningful experiences
Term
absolute threshold
Definition
The very smallest amount of stimulus-energy required for an observer to reliably detect (51%) it.
Term
receptive field
Definition
the receptive field of a sensory neuron is a region of space in which the presence of a stimulus will change the firing rate of the attached ganglion
Term
doctrine of specific nerve energies
Definition
The quality of a sensation depends primarily on the nerve stimulated, and the stimulus itself only secondary
Term
mach bands
Definition
refers to an increased intensity difference observed on either side of a dark/light border - caused by lateral inhibition
Term
apperceptive agnosioa
Definition
defecit in which the subject's visual acuity is normal, but shape perception is distorted
Term
non-accidental properties
Definition
properties in an object in 2 dimensions that do not change as the viewer's perspective of the object changes
Term
prosopagnosia
Definition
inability to recognize faces
Term
inverse optics problem
Definition
for any 2-d projection (such as what we find in the retina) there are an **infinite number of 3-d environments ** which could give rise to that 2-d image
Term
motion parallax
Definition
as one moves through the environment, nearer stationary objects appear to move through the visual field faster than more distant objects
Term
horopter
Definition
an imaginary arc passing through the point of optical fixation; objects on the horopter fall on corresponding points on the two retinas
Term
binocular disparity
Definition
the retinal image on the two eyes is slightly different in each. This difference provides an absolute depth cue.
Term
phi effect
Definition
Two lights blinking on & off will, at the proper frequency, appear to be one moving light.
Term
critical period
Definition
a period of neural plasticity when particular environmental stimulation must be available for normal brain development
Term
sound
Definition
pressure changes in a medium which are capable of being detected by auditory organs
Term
cone of confusion
Definition
the set of all positions that could produce a particular time & intensity difference between the two ears.
Term
McGurk Illusion
Definition
if someone says "ba" but their mouth movements are those of "ga" then "da" will be percieved
Term
Phenomic Restoration Effect
Definition
the auditory system fills in phonemes that are obscured by noise
Term
Phoneme
Definition
the shortest segment of speech that, if changed, alters the meaning of a word
Term
Oculogyral Illusion
Definition
after being rotated, people experience paradoxical motion, in which the world is perceived to be spinning, but remains visually still
Term
Vestibular Nystagmus
Definition
reflexive eye movement that begins when the vestibular organs signal rotation about the body axis
Term
Physiological Zero
Definition
the skin temperature at which no thermal sensations are elicited (~91F in water)
Term
Endorphins
Definition
naturally occurring opiate-like chemicals that suppress pain
Term
Common Chemical sense
Definition
a sensory system that responds to chemical irritants
Term
Anosmia
Definition
inability to detect certain smells
Term
Pheromones
Definition
chemicals released by one animal that cause behavioral reactions in another of the same species
Term
The McClintock Effect
Definition
women who live together eventually have menstrual periods that all begin at the same time
Term
associative agnosia
Definition
defecit in which shape perception is not distorted, but the subject still cannot recognize shapes
Term
Whcih of Fechner's Methods for determining absolute threshold is this: various levels of stimuli/random order/ 50% correct = absolute threshold
Definition
Method of constant simuli
Term
which of fechner's methods is this:

strong stimuli, build down til cannot be detected (and vice versa)/ repeat several times/ average of crossover points = absolute threshold
Definition
Method of limits
Term
which of fechner's methods is this:

intensity of stimulus manipulated by subject until it can just barely be detected
Definition
Method of adjustment
Term
Two problems common to fechner's 3 methods for absolute threshold
Definition
1: observer could be lying
2: relies on observer's "opinion" which fouls results
Term
Four main parts of a neuron & functions
Definition
soma (cell body): organelles & DNA
dendrites: input from other neurons
Axon: carries action potential to terminal buttons
Terminal buttons: output to next neuron in chain
Term
Draw a labeled diagram showing the sequence of events at action potential
Definition
-70mv (resting potential)

-65mv (when action potential begins and Na+ channels open. NA + enters cell until...)

+50 mv (Na+ channels close, K+ channels open. K+ leaves cell, cell becomes more negatively charged.)

Also should show:Voltage (Y-axis) Time (X-axis)
Term
the fuctions of the:
-cornea
-iris
-lens
Definition
Cornea: primary refractive surface of the eye

iris: changes the size of the pupil to *regulate the amount of light entering the eye*

lens: allows adjustment to the focus of the eye
Term
advantages/disadvantages of a lens system:

advantages/disadvantages of a pinhole system:
Definition
lens: creates a very bright image, but can be out of focus

pinhole: cannot be out of focus, but images created are too dim for effective vision
Term
main similarities & differences between rods & cones:
Definition
Similarities:
-both have photopigments
-both at the back of the retina
-both hyperpolarize in response to light

diff:
- rods = most sensitive Cones = less
-rods=many Cones = few
-rod=pigments regenerate slowly cone=much faster
Term
Draw diagram showing the response of an on-center off-surround ganglion cell to
1. Diffuse illumination
2. center-only illumination
3. illumination only in the surround
4.darkness.
Definition
(- (+) )

think of light in the outer area (the - area) SLOWING the firing rate of the cell | | | | | to | | | | |

and light in the CENTER area (the +) increasing the firing rate of the cell
| | | | | to: ||||||||.

the rest should be simple reasoning. (Darkness: no change / diffuse: + and - cancel each other out, so no change / light-center: increased firing rate / light-surround: slowed firing rate)
Term
names & properties of 3 kinds of ganglion cell
Definition
P-Cells : Form & color
M- Cells: depth, motion & simple light detection
k- cells: code overall level of illumination
Term
three types of cells in v1 & what they're responsible for
Definition
Simple: Respond to bar shapes at a particlar location orientation


Complex: Respond to bar shapes at a particular location, orientation and velocity

End-Stopped: respond to bars that at a particular location, orientation and length (detecting corners
Term
Explain the Young-Helmolz theory of color perception:
Definition
posits that there are three different types of color receptor - each responding MAXIMALLY to one different wavelength, but having SOME response to all (visible) wavelengths.
Term
Explain Hering's opponent process theory:
Definition
Our eye has three different types of receptors: Red-Green, Blue-Yellow, Black-White

Each receptor is excited by one member of the pair and inhibited by the other
Term
Between Young-Helmholz and Hering's Opponnent Process theories, which is correct?
Definition
Both are correct.

Cones respond as Young-Helmholz predict

Ganglions respond as Hering predicts
Term
How do people with dichromatism respond in color matching experiments (relative to people with normal vision)?

How do people with anomalous trichromatism respond to color matching experiments (relative to people with normal vision)?
Definition
Dichromats need only two lights to match any pure wavelength light

Anomalous trichromats need three lights, but their matches will look different to people with normal vision. (while Anomalous trichromats can't tell the difference)
Term
purpose of circuit that creates mach bands:
Definition
helps us perceive edges
Term
Procedure, Results and Significance of Ungerlieder and Mishkin experiments:
Definition
Procedure (& results):
-IT pathway ablated in one group of monkeys, PP pathway ablated in a second group

-Object Recognition task [differentiating shapes] (IT monkeys failed / PP monkeys could)

-spatial location task [find object relative to another], (PP monkeys failed while IT monkeys could.)

Significance:
-Showed the Dorsal Pathway (PP) codes location (the 'where' pathway)

Showed the Ventral (IT) pathway codes identity (the 'what' pathway)
Term
Steps (5) in the object-recognition process according to RBC:
Definition
1. Edges are extracted from the image
2. Image edges are separated into parts, and simultaneously, non-accidental properties are determined

3. Geons are Identified

4. Relations among Geons are Determined

5. Best match in memory is found
Term
Four categories of depth cues:
Definition
Oculomotor cues
Binocular disparity
Pictorial cues
Motion-produced cues
Term
If an image in the two eyes is inwardly displaced from the corresponding retinal points, it is:
Definition
Closer than the Horopter
Term
if an image is outwardly displaced from the corresponding retinal points it is:
Definition
Further than the horopter
Term
Two causes of stereo blindness:
Definition
Infantile strabisumus (lazy eye in infancy)

some genetic disorder
Term
1.Reasons (3) why stereo vision is not as important to perception as the other depth cues:
Definition
Stereo blind people make it through life without even realizing it, most times

at long distances (100ft+) stereopsis isn't even useful, because retinal disparity at that range is miniscule

stereopsis is irrelevant to object recognition
Term
Angle of Regard Theory
Definition
Theory of the moon illusion that says the moon appears smaller when the head is tilted up than when held parallel to the ground
Term
Apparent distance theory
Definition
The earth's terrain causes the moon to look further away, and thus bigger when at the horizon.
Term
Cause of the Phi effect
Definition
certain kinds of cells on the retina and some distance apart from each other, will, when stimulated at a particular delay interval, excite a complex cell.

The phi effect simulates this pattern of stimulation.
Term
cause of the autokinetic effect
Definition

when fixating the light, eye muscles become tired.

 

To compensate for this, the brain must send abnormally strong signals to muscles in the eye to continue fixation.

 

These signals are the same as would be required to track a moving object, so the brain assumes the light is moving.

Term
Illusion causes:

1. Poggendorf
2. Wundt-Hering
3. Ponzo
4. Ames window
Definition
1. Poggendorf: Combination of blur by the optic media, retinal lateral inhibition , & processing strategies

2. Wundt-Hering: Seems to be a large number of Poggendorff illusions

3. Ponzo: Linear perspective & texture gradients make the top bar look further away, & thus bigger

4.Ames Window: The retinal image is consistent with both a) a trapezoidal window rotating 360, b) a rectangular window flipping directions every 180.

Since we're used to seeing rectangular windows, the brain prefers that interpretation.
Term
Anatomical problem that lead to astigmatism:
Definition
Lack of a spherical cornea
Term
anatomical problems that lead to presbyopia:
Definition
hardening of the lens & weakening of the ciliary muscles
Term
In the lines of the eyechart, each line is expressed as a fraction. What do the numerators and denominators of these fractions mean?
Definition
# in numerator: Distance (in feet) at which the test was (should be) conducted.

# in denominator: Distance (in Ft) at which the critical feature (gap in the letter 'C') of the test symbol covers one minute of visual angle
Term
cause & treatments (2) of Glaucoma
Definition
cause: ganglion cell death caused by increased pressure on the blood vessels serving the retina, which is in turn caused by problems draining the aqueous humor.


Treatment:
Drugs that either remove blockage of the aqueous humor drains or decrease production of the humor.

Surgery if the drugs fail.
Term
cause & treatment of detached retina:
Definition
Cause: Photoreceptors become detached from the pigment epithelium

Treatment: purposeful injury of the eye to create scar tissue that locks the retina into place
Term
Cause (3) & treatments (2) of Cataracts:
Definition
Causes: Congenital defect, acquired by injury/disease, old age

treatments: artificial implants, or lens removal & cataract spectacles
Term
Units for measuring sound frequency?

Amplitude?
Definition
Frequency (Hz) The number of times a wave repeats itself.

Amplitude (dB): Difference between the atmospheric pressure & the maximum pressure exerted by the sound wave
Term
what are the psychological correlates for frequency and amplitude?
Definition
Frequency = Pitch

Amplitude = Loudness
Term
Structures of the outer ear (3)
Definition
pinna, meatus, tympanic membrane
Term
Two functions of the Ossicles:
Definition
1. Amplify tympanic vibrations

2. Protect the inner ear from loud sounds
Term
Explain Von Beckesey's Place Theory of frequency perception
Definition
different locations on the basiliar membrane vibrate in response to different frequencies; the hair cells being stimulated with the greatest amount of vibration indicate the frequency.
Term
Explain Rutherford's Frequency Theory of frequency perception
Definition
The basilar membrane vibrates at the same frequency as the stimulus.

Every time the basilar membrane vibrates, it causes an action potential in the auditory nerve.

So, then, the firing rate of the auditory nerve should indicate the frequency of the stimulus.
Term
how was the conflict between Von Beckesey's Place Theory and Rutherford's Frequency theory resolved?
Definition
below 1000hz, rutherford's theory is used

Above 5000 hz von beckesey's is used

between, both are accurate.
Term

What happens when two separate tones are played simultaneously, and: 1) The tones are separated by 1-15Hz

 

2) The tones are separated by more than 15Hz, but less than the critical bandwidth

 

3) the tones are separated by more than the critical bandwidth

Definition

1) A tone midway between the presented tones is perceived, which oscillates in loudness at the same frequency as the absolute value of the difference in frequency between the tones (the "beats" phenomenon)

 

 2)A single tone, midway in frequency between the presented tones that sounds "rough"

 

3) two separate tones

Term
List two monaural cues for localizing sounds:
Definition
Intensity

Doppler shift
Term
When is inter-aural intensity difference most effective for localizing sounds
Definition
High frequency sound (because higher frequencies are more affected by obstructions)
Term
three pieces of evidence that speech is special relative to perception of other sounds:
Definition
1)Speech is perceived more categorically than other sounds (ie Voice Onset Time Experiments)

2) Visual Stimulation effects speech reception (McGurk illusion)

3)Top-Down information affects speech perception (ex: speech is actually continuous, but we hear it separated into words)
Term
similarities between speech perception and object recognition:
Definition
In speech production a few phonetic features combine to create phonemes, which, in their *proper relations* are used to recognize words in object recognition the same is true for non-accidental properties: geons : objects
Term
function of the semicircular canals:
Definition
to register rotary acceleration
Term
cause of motion sickness:
Definition
a dissociation between visual & vestibular information
Term
evolutionary purpose of motion sickness:
Definition
motion sickness is a by-product of selection to avoid food poisoning, as a side effect of food poisoning is a dissociation between vision & vestibular system
Term
three causes of differential sensitivity to touch of various body parts:
Definition
1) sensitive areas have a higher density of pressure sensitive neurons than less sensitive areas

2) sensitive areas have receptors with smaller receptive fields than...

3)more area devoted in the somatosensory cortex for sensitive regions
Term
what two health problems do people with congenital analgesia commonly experience?
Definition
1) childhood injuries

2) develop severe joint damage
Term
draw the spinal gate control theory Diagram :
Definition
Central Stimulation +> SG
L-Fibers +> Sg and +> T-Cell
S-Fibers ->sg and +> T-cell
Sg -> T-cell
T-cell > Pain output to brain

(card insufficient for this, although connections and valence are indicated)
Term
to what sort of stimuli to the S-fibers and L-fibers respond?
Definition
L-Fibers: Pressure & Sharp Pain

S-Fibers: Sustained & aching pain
Term
how do endorphins reduce pain?
Definition
appear to stimulate the L-Fibers, thus inhibiting pain transmission
Term
to what temperature range can the skin adapt?
Definition
between 61 and 180f (in water)
Term
paradoxical cold:
Definition
a very warm stimulus (~122F) can elicit a cold sensation when applied to an area of the skin that responds only to cold
Term
where are common chemical sense (think, onions) receptors found:
Definition
Nasal Cavity

Oral Cavity

Cornea
Term
what's the chief challenge in studying smell?
Definition
no adequate system of describing smells has been devised
Term
explain the stereochemical theory of smell perception:
Definition
(Lock & Key) - olfactory receptors respond to molecules of a specific shape & size
Term
two problems with stereochemical theory:
Definition
1) each olfactory cell actually seems to respond to a variety of different chemicals

2) the relationship between molecule shape and odor is not as strong as the theory predicts
Term
how does chromatographic theory predict odor quality is coded?
Definition
By the regions of the mucosa being stimulated by a chemical; as different chemicals should spread across the mucosa in different ways
Term
what was the significance of the study by Engen & Ross (1973)?
Definition
Showed that smells associations (vs sight) are more difficult to encode, but more easy to retrieve
Term
five primary tastes (incl. chemical producing & evolutionary function):
Definition
1) sweet; complex organic molecules; sweet foods provide energy

2) bitter; alkaloids; poison detection

3) salty; simple 0ph molecules; detects sodium, an essential nutrient

4)sour; acidic substances; indicates bacterial composition

5)umami; glutemates; encourages meat-eating
Term
where can we find taste buds?

in what manner do they respond chemicals?
Definition
tongue

inner cheeks

pallate

throat

Each taste bud responds most vigorously to its primary taste (sweet, sour, etc), but somewhat to all tastes
Term
effects of MSG and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate on taste perception?
Definition
MSG: increases sensitivity to salt and sweet

Na lau-sulf: reduces sweet & bitter sensitivity
Term
how does aging affect flavor perception?
Definition
smell deteriorates before taste,

sensitivity to salt & sweet decreases more than sour & bitter
Term
what temperature range is peak taste sensitivity?
Definition
70-75f
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