Unit three topic two sensation and perception

Visual Step 1 Reception

The detection of light by the eye

Visual step 2 Transduction

The conversion of light energy into neural impulses that can be sent into the brain. Occurs in photoreceptors in the retina, cones and rods.

Visual Step 3 Transmission

sending the signal to the central nervous system via the optic nerve.

Visual Step 4 Preliminary processing

The signal passes through the Thalamus and organises and refines it before sending it it to the primary visual cortex.

Visual Step 5 Organisation and Interpretation

The signal is sent from the Thalamus to the primary visual cortex. The input is organised and interpreted.

What are the five steps of Visual and Auditory perception

Reception - Transduction - Transmission - Preliminary processing - Organisation and Interpretation

Auditory step 1 reception

The detection of sound waves by the ear. accessory structures collect, direct and amplify sound.

Auditory step 2 Transduction

The conversion of mechanical energy into neural impulses. Happens n the Organ of Corti in the Cochlea

Step 3 Transmission

The Cochlear transmits signals to the primary audio cortex. Takes the path of Cochlear nucleus - Superior Olivary Complex - Thalamus - Primary Auditory cortex

Auditory Step 4 Preliminary Processing

Occurs in the Cochlear nuclei and superior olivary complex. The Thalamus acts as a relay and processing hub. Enhances relevant sounds coordinates auditory input with visual and motor systems.

Auditory Step 5 Organisation and Interpretation

The primary auditory cortex in the temporal lobe receives information and feature detectors respond to specific sound properties.

Sensation

Detecting sensory input

Perception

Interpreting it meaningfully

Perceptual set

A readiness to perceive stimuli a certain way. Makes perception faster but not always more accurate.

Four factors of perceptual set

Past experience, emotional state, context, motivation

Context

Motivation

Emotional state

Past experience

Previous exposure to stimuli shapes what we expect to perceive. eg Reading messy handwriting and recognising familiar accents

Context

The setting or environment influencing the interpretation of sensory input eg Bank the side of a river or financial institute

Motivation

Desires or goals influence what we pay attention to. eg a hungry person notices food related signs more easily

Emotional state

Feelings and mood can bias perception of stimuli. eg interpreting shadows as threats when anxious

Visual perception principles

Rules our brains uses to organise and interpret visual information.

Three groups of visual perception principles

Gestalt Principles depth cues visual Constancies

Depth Cues

Visual Constancies

Gestalt principles

Figure ground organisation, Closure, Similarity, proximity

Depth Cues

Monocular and Binocular cues integrate in the brain for accurate depth perception

Visual Constancies

The brain perceives objects as stable despite changing sensory information. The world appears consistent as we move or lighting changes.

Auditory Perception Principles

A set of principles that dictate how the brain organises and interprets soundwaves

What are the main three Auditory principles

Loudness, Pitch, Timbre

Loudness

Perceived intensity of a sound dependant of the amplitude of sound waves.

Pitch

How low or high a sound is depending on the frequency of sound waves

Timbre

Quality or character of sound allows differentiation between sounds with the same pitch and loudness. Eg same note played on violin and trumpet

The study about cultural influences on visual perception

De Bruine, Vredeveldt and Van Koppen (2018)

The study about cultural influences on auditory perception

Patel and Demorest (2013)

Method of de Bruïne, Vredeveldt & van Koppen (2018)

Participants was an African group vs European group.

Participants viewed line drawings and answered depth indicating questions.

Three stages of de Bruïne, Vredeveldt & van Koppen (2018)

Spatial recognition, Visuospatial processing, Object recognition

Findings of de Bruïne, Vredeveldt & van Koppen (2018)

2d spatial awareness and visual spatial processing was significantly lower in the african group showing a cultural exposure to 2d diagrams have an impact on the perception of 2d shapes. both groups recognised objects with similar accuracy

Patel and Demorest (3013) aims methods

Aimed to determine what aspects of music perception are biologically shared or shaped by culture.

Patel and Demorest (2013) Findings

Adults recognise emotional intent more accurately in familiar musical systems. Recognition and memory drop when music violates learned cultural rules