Psychology Chapter on Sensation and Perception

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Questions and Answers

What characterizes long-term memory compared to short-term memory?

Has a capacity of 7±2 items.

Stable and can last for years or a lifetime. (correct)

Is primarily for processing visual information.

Lasts for a few minutes.

What does the case of H.M. reveal about the hippocampus?

It retains short-term memory but is crucial for explicit memories. (correct)

It is crucial for forming implicit memories.

It is solely responsible for sensory memory.

It allows for the retention of all types of memory.

How can eyewitness memories be affected according to Elizabeth Loftus?

They depend solely on the emotional state of the witness.

They are always accurate unless witnessed from multiple perspectives.

They are improved by the passage of time.

They can be altered by misleading information. (correct)

According to the computational theory of mind, what is the sequence of brain processes?

Inputs → Processing → Outputs. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a problem-solving method categorized as heuristics?

Guessing the shortest line in a room. Signup and view all the answers

What best exemplifies System 2 thinking as proposed by Kahneman?

Solving a complex math problem. Signup and view all the answers

Which heuristic involves judging the frequency of events based on how easily examples come to mind?

Availability heuristic. Signup and view all the answers

What concept describes the tendency to focus on information that confirms existing beliefs?

Confirmation bias. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary outcome of classical conditioning?

Association between a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus Signup and view all the answers

Which type of memory is primarily involved in performing motor skills, such as riding a bike?

Procedural Memory Signup and view all the answers

In operant conditioning, what does negative reinforcement accomplish?

It increases behavior by removing an unpleasant stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of sensory receptors?

Detecting and responding to stimuli Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'extinction' refer to in classical conditioning?

A decrease in conditioned response when the UCS is no longer presented Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of cognitive learning as proposed by Edward Tolman?

Latent learning and cognitive maps Signup and view all the answers

Which depth perception cue involves the use of two eyes?

Retinal disparity Signup and view all the answers

According to the forgetting curve described by Ebbinghaus, which statement is true?

Rapid forgetting occurs initially, but some information is retained over time. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of sound does amplitude directly influence?

Loudness Signup and view all the answers

Which Gestalt principle refers to the perception of complete shapes by filling in gaps?

Closure Signup and view all the answers

What effect does proactive interference have on new learning?

It disrupts new learning because of old memories. Signup and view all the answers

What type of memory is associated with strong emotions and is often not entirely accurate?

Flashbulb Memory Signup and view all the answers

What defines the 'absolute threshold' in psychophysics?

Minimum detectable stimulus intensity Signup and view all the answers

Which parts of the eye are primarily responsible for color vision?

Cones Signup and view all the answers

What type of visual cue involves the perceived size of an object relative to the distance from the observer?

Monocular depth cue Signup and view all the answers

Which sensory system is responsible for detecting temperature and pain?

Somatosensory system Signup and view all the answers

How is color perception primarily influenced?

Wavelength of light waves Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the cochlea in the auditory system?

Transduces sound into neural signals Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sensation vs. Perception

Sensation is the detection of stimuli (light, sound, touch).
Perception is the organization and interpretation of sensory information.
Example: Light on the retina is interpreted by the brain as an image.

Sensory Receptors & Transduction

Sensory receptors are specialized neurons that detect stimuli.
Sensory transduction converts stimuli into neural signals.
Example: Light waves are transduced into visual images.

The Visual System

Light is electromagnetic radiation (380 nm - 760 nm visible).
Human eye parts include the cornea, iris, lens, retina, and optic nerve.
The cornea is a transparent layer for light entry.
The iris controls pupil size.
The lens focuses light onto the retina.
The retina contains photoreceptors (rods and cones).
Rods are for low-light vision.
Cones provide detail and color vision, best in daylight.
Photoreceptors transmit signals to the brain via the optic nerve.

Depth Perception

Binocular depth cues include retinal disparity and convergence.
Monocular depth cues include relative size, linear perspective, and other cues.
Example of a depth cue: Ponzo illusion.

Gestalt Principles of Perception

Gestalt principles describe how we perceive whole objects.
Key principles include closure, similarity, proximity, and good continuation.
These principles allow us to perceive objects as complete, even when parts are missing.

Perceptual Constancies

Size constancy is the perception of objects as the same size despite changes in distance.
Shape constancy is the perception of objects as the same shape despite changes in viewing angle.
Color constancy is the perception of objects as the same color despite changes in lighting.

The Auditory System

Sound waves are created by vibrating objects.
Frequency determines pitch, and amplitude determines loudness.
The ear has three parts: outer ear (pinna), middle ear (tympanic membrane and ossicles), and inner ear (cochlea).
The cochlea transduces sound into neural signals.

Somatosensory System

Senses touch, pressure, vibration, pain, and temperature.
Receptors include pressure-sensitive, thermoreceptors, and nociceptors.
The somatosensory cortex maps sensory input to different body parts.

Learning vs. Memory

Learning involves lasting behavioral changes from experience.
Memory involves encoding, storing, and retrieving information.
Memory types include explicit (episodic and semantic) and implicit (procedural and associative).

Classical Conditioning (Ivan Pavlov)

Neutral stimulus becomes associated with unconditioned stimulus.
Unconditioned stimulus elicits an unconditioned response.
Conditioned stimulus elicits a conditioned response after association.

Operant Conditioning (B.F. Skinner)

Learning through rewards and punishments.
Reinforcement increases behavior (positive or negative).
Punishment decreases behavior (positive or negative).

Memory Types

Explicit memory involves conscious recollection of personal experiences and facts.
Implicit memory includes skills and conditioned responses.

Forgetting & Interference

Forgetting curve shows rapid initial forgetting, followed by slower forgetting over time.
Interference can occur when old memories disrupt new learning (proactive) or new memories disrupt retrieval of old memories (retroactive).

Additional Notes

Real-world classical conditioning explains preferences and aversions.
Cognitive learning includes concepts like latent learning (Tolman).
Memory processes include encoding, storage, and retrieval.
Short-term memory is temporary and limited, while long-term memory is stable and relatively permanent.

The Case of H.M.

The hippocampus is crucial for explicit memories (not implicit).
Individuals with hippocampal damage may retain short-term memory but struggle to form new memories.

Eyewitness Memory

Eyewitness testimony can be unreliable due to misinformation.
Loftus's research demonstrates that memories can be altered by misleading information.

Computational Theory of Mind

The brain is an example of an information-processing device.
Thinking and mental imagery involve processing information.
Examples of thinking processes and representation mechanisms.

Problem-Solving Methods

Heuristics are mental shortcuts, often fast but not always accurate.
Algorithms are step-by-step procedures that are usually reliable but can be slow.
Insight involves sudden realizations, like an "aha!" moment.

Dual Systems of Thinking (Kahneman)

System 1 is fast and automatic, using quick judgments.
System 2 is slower and more deliberate, requiring focus.

Heuristics (Detail)

Availability heuristic relies on easily recalled memories to judge commonality.
Representativeness heuristic categorizes based on prototypes.
Confirmation bias focuses on information that confirms existing beliefs, ignoring contradictions.

Intelligence

General intelligence (g) underlies all cognitive abilities.
IQ measures mental age relative to chronological age.
Various intelligence tests exist, including Binet's and Stanford-Binet.

Environmental Influence on IQ

Twin studies explore the contribution of genetics and environment to intelligence.

Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Emotional intelligence involves recognizing and understanding emotions in oneself and others.

Grit

Grit is the perseverance and passion for long-term goals.
Grit can be a predictor of success, even with lower IQ.

Animal Intelligence

Animal intelligence demonstrates concept formation and problem-solving abilities through examples of tool use or understanding.

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of sensation and perception in psychology. This quiz covers sensory receptors, transduction processes, and the human visual system, including eye anatomy and depth perception. Test your understanding of how we interpret sensory information and the mechanisms behind our visual experiences.