Psychology Sensation vs. Perception Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does classical conditioning primarily involve?

Learning through observation and imitation

Rewarding behavior through positive reinforcement

Associating a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus (correct)

Punishing behavior to decrease unwanted actions

Which type of memory is characterized by personal experiences?

Procedural memory

Semantic memory

Implicit memory

Episodic memory (correct)

In operant conditioning, what is the main goal of punishment?

To reinforce desired behavior

To create a positive environment

To decrease unwanted behavior (correct)

To facilitate faster learning

What occurs in proactive interference?

Old memories disrupt the learning of new information Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a flashbulb memory?

Memories triggered by strong emotions Signup and view all the answers

What is continuous reinforcement?

Reinforcing every instance of a behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which type of memory refers to the knowledge of facts and general information?

Semantic memory Signup and view all the answers

What is the main effect of extinction in classical conditioning?

The conditioned response fades when the CS is not paired with the UCS Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines memory encoding?

Converting input into a format for storage Signup and view all the answers

What does negative reinforcement involve?

Removing an unpleasant stimulus to encourage behavior Signup and view all the answers

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

To allow light entry into the eye Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of sensory transduction?

Conversion of environmental stimuli into neural signals Signup and view all the answers

Which type of depth perception cue is represented by retinal disparity?

Binocular Depth Cue Signup and view all the answers

Which principle states that we perceive complete figures even when parts are missing?

Closure Signup and view all the answers

Which type of receptor is primarily responsible for detecting pain and extreme temperatures?

Nociceptors Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of perceptual constancy refer to in psychology?

Recognition of objects despite variations in distance or angle Signup and view all the answers

What role do hair cells play in the auditory system?

Transduce sound waves into neural signals Signup and view all the answers

Which type of visual photoreceptor is most effective in low-light conditions?

Rods Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological concept focuses on the relationship between physical stimuli and the sensations and perceptions they evoke?

Psychophysics Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the function of the optic nerve in the visual system?

Transmits visual signals from the retina to the brain Signup and view all the answers

What type of memory does H.M. retain despite his inability to form new episodic or semantic memories?

Short-term memory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the function of schemas in cognitive processing?

They connect interconnected concepts to simplify information processing. Signup and view all the answers

Which heuristic involves making judgments based on how easily examples come to mind?

Availability Heuristic Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a problem-solving method that results in a sudden realization?

Insight Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main systems of thinking identified by Kahneman?

System 1 and System 2 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about eyewitness memory is accurate?

It is often altered by misleading information. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of confirmation bias?

Focusing on information that supports existing beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

How is intelligence commonly measured according to the concept of General Intelligence (g)?

By calculating the difference between mental age and chronological age. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the brain's processing model as per the Computational Theory of Mind?

It conceptualizes the brain as an information-processing device. Signup and view all the answers

What type of problem-solving method is characterized by a reliable, step-by-step procedure?

Algorithm Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sensation vs. Perception

Sensation: Detection of stimuli (light, sound, touch)
Perception: Organization and interpretation of sensory information
Example: Light on retina → brain interprets as image

Sensory Receptors & Transduction

Sensory Receptors: Specialized neurons detecting stimuli
Sensory Transduction: Conversion of stimuli into neural signals
Example: Light waves → transduced into visual images

The Visual System

Light: Electromagnetic radiation (380 nm - 760 nm visible)
Human Eye:
- Cornea: Transparent layer for light entry
- Iris: Controls pupil size
- Lens: Focuses light on retina
- Retina: Contains photoreceptors (rods & cones)
  - Optic Nerve: Transmits signals to brain
  - Photoreceptors:
    - Cones: Detail, color vision, best in daylight, concentrated in fovea
    - Rods: Low-light vision, not color, primarily in peripheral retina

Depth Perception

Binocular Depth cues: Retinal disparity, convergence
Monocular Depth cues: Relative size, linear perspective
Example: Ponzo illusion (linear perspective trick)

Gestalt Principles of Perception

Studies whole objects, not just parts
Key Principles:
- Closure: Fill gaps for completeness
- Similarity: Group similar objects
- Proximity: Nearby objects perceived as related
- Good Continuation: Smooth lines perceived over disjointed ones

Perceptual Constancies

Size Constancy: Same size perception despite distance
Shape Constancy: Same shape perception from different angles
Color Constancy: Maintain color despite lighting changes

Light as a Stimulus

Part of electromagnetic spectrum (380-760 nm)
Wavelength determines color (short = blue/violet, long = red)

The Auditory System

Sound Waves: Created by vibrating objects
Frequency: Determines pitch
Amplitude: Determines loudness
Structure of the Ear: Outer Ear (Pinna) → Middle Ear → Inner Ear (Cochlea)
Transduction of Sound: Sound vibrations → neural signals

Somatosensory System

Detects sensations: touch, pressure, vibration, pain, temperature
Receptors: Pressure-sensitive, thermoreceptors, nociceptors
The Homunculus & Somatosensory Cortex: Sensory input mapped in brain → larger areas for more sensitive body parts

Perception & Psychophysics

Psychophysics: Study of stimulus-perception relationship
Absolute Threshold: Minimum detectable stimulus intensity
Subliminal Perception: Processing stimuli below conscious detection

The Gestalt School & Grouping Principles

Gestalt Psychology: Whole object perception
Grouping Principles: Similarity, proximity, continuity, closure

Learning vs. Memory

Learning: Lasting change in behavior from experience
Memory: Processes of encoding, storing, and retrieving information

Classical Conditioning (Ivan Pavlov)

Definition: Neutral stimulus becomes associated with unconditioned stimulus → elicits conditioned response
Key Terms:
- Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)
- Unconditioned Response (UCR)
- Conditioned Stimulus (CS)
- Conditioned Response (CR)

Operant Conditioning (B.F. Skinner)

Definition: Learning through rewards and punishments
Reinforcement (Increases behavior):
- Positive
- Negative
Punishment (Decreases behavior):
- Positive
- Negative
Reinforcement Schedules: Continuous, Intermittent

Memory Types

Explicit Memory: Episodic, Semantic
Implicit Memory: Procedural, Associative

Forgetting & Interference

Forgetting Curve (Ebbinghaus): Rapid forgetting, retains some over time
Types of Interference: Proactive, Retroactive
Flashbulb Memories: Strong memories from intense emotional experiences, not always accurate

Additional Notes

Real-world Classical Conditioning
Extinction
Cognitive Learning (Edward Tolman)
Memory Processes: Encoding, Storage, Retrieval
Short-term vs. Long-term Memory
The Case of H.M.
Eyewitness Memory
Computational Theory of Mind
Mental Imagery
Thinking and Mental Imagery

Problem-Solving Methods

Heuristics
Algorithms
Insight

Dual Systems of Thinking (Kahneman)

System 1: Fast, automatic
System 2: Slow, deliberate

Intelligence

General Intelligence (g)
IQ (Intelligence Quotient)
Binet's and Stanford-Binet Tests
Environmental Influence on IQ: Twin Studies

Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Components: Recognizing own emotions, empathizing with others
Importance: Predictive of relational success

Grit

Definition: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals
Research: Grit leads to success

Animal Intelligence

Concept Formation: Animals can form concepts
Insight and Tool Use: Problem-solving abilities in animals

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Description

Test your understanding of the differences between sensation and perception, including the role of sensory receptors and the visual system. Explore concepts like sensory transduction and depth perception in this engaging quiz.