Psychology Chapter on Sensory Processing

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What is the primary function of the cornea in the eye?

Contains photoreceptors

Transmits neural signals to the brain

Focuses incoming light (correct)

Controls the size of the pupil

Which type of photoreceptor is primarily responsible for color vision?

Ganglion cells

Rods

Cones (correct)

Bipolar cells

What does the term 'transduction' refer to in sensory processing?

Interpretation of sensory information

Conversion of stimuli into neural signals (correct)

Detection of physical stimuli

Transmission of information to the brain

Which theory explains color perception as being controlled by opposing colors?

Opponent-Process Theory Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of feature detectors in visual processing?

They respond to specific features of visual stimuli Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the difference threshold?

It is the minimum difference between two stimuli that can be detected Signup and view all the answers

What type of vision are rods primarily responsible for?

Low-light vision (black and white) Signup and view all the answers

What does Weber's Law suggest about the Just Noticeable Difference (JND)?

It is proportional to the magnitude of the stimulus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of neurotransmitters in the synaptic transmission process?

To transmit signals between neurons across the synapse. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neurotransmitter increases the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing?

Glutamate Signup and view all the answers

How do inhibitory neurotransmitters typically affect the postsynaptic neuron?

They decrease the likelihood of an action potential. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two primary mechanisms for removing neurotransmitters from the synapse?

Reuptake and Enzyme degradation Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in regulating mood, sleep, and appetite?

Serotonin Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is specifically associated with movement and motivation?

Dopamine Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during synaptic transmission?

Neurotransmitters cross the synaptic cleft and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of enzyme degradation in neurotransmitter activity?

It breaks down neurotransmitters to stop their activity. Signup and view all the answers

What is proactive interference?

Previous knowledge affects the recall of new information. Signup and view all the answers

What role does consolidation play in memory?

It stabilizes memory traces after acquisition. Signup and view all the answers

What illustrates retroactive interference?

Forgetting an old email address after creating a new one. Signup and view all the answers

What best describes false memories?

Memories shaped by suggestions and leading questions. Signup and view all the answers

How does deep processing differ from superficial processing?

Deep processing leads to better retention through semantic analysis. Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily developed during the sensorimotor stage?

Understanding of object permanence Signup and view all the answers

What effect does emotion have on memory?

Strong emotions enhance the vividness and accuracy of memories. Signup and view all the answers

What is a flashbulb memory?

A vivid memory of a significant emotional event. Signup and view all the answers

Which theory suggests that pain signals can be modulated by a 'gate' in the spinal cord?

Gate Control Theory Signup and view all the answers

What cognitive limitation is characteristic of the preoperational stage?

Egocentrism Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of context effects on memory retrieval?

Recall is improved when the retrieval environment matches the learning environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a key characteristic of the concrete operational stage?

Use of abstract reasoning Signup and view all the answers

Which sense is closely linked to emotion and memory?

Smell Signup and view all the answers

What major development occurs in the transition from the preoperational stage to the concrete operational stage?

Grasp of conservation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following senses is involved in detecting pressure, warmth, cold, and pain?

Somatosensation Signup and view all the answers

What ability is observed in children during the preoperational stage regarding objects?

Symbolic thought Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of memory?

To encode, store, and retrieve information Signup and view all the answers

Which type of reinforcement schedule involves a reward after an unpredictable number of responses?

Variable-Ratio Schedule Signup and view all the answers

What is encoding in relation to memory?

The transformation of information into a storable form Signup and view all the answers

In Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, what key concept is essential for learning through observation?

Attention to the model Signup and view all the answers

Which type of memory lasts only a few seconds and involves initial sensory input?

Sensory Memory Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical duration for Short-Term Memory (STM)?

About 20-30 seconds Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the capacity of Short-Term Memory, often referred to as Miller's Law?

7 ± 2 items Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of retrieving information from memory often compared to?

Searching a database for files Signup and view all the answers