AP Psych 1.6C-1.6G

Acoustical Transduction

The Brain converts sound waves into neural impulses

Sound Waves

Compression and refraction of air molecules

Wavelength

the distance between two corresponding points on adjacent waves (peak to peak, for example). It determines the quality of what you perceive. Different wavelengths of light produce different colors, and different wavelengths of sound produce different pitches.

Amplitude

Height of the wave. It determines intensity (perceived loudness)

Frequency Theory

The perception of different pitches is due to the speed of neural impulses, some cound vade frequencies are too fast for hair cell firing.

Volley Theory

stipulates that hair cells alternate firing for higher frequency waves

Place THeory

Perception of different pitches is due to the place on the Cochlea that the sound wave stimulates

Localization of Sound

The Brain determines the direction of the sound because it will arrive at one ear before the other

Conduction Deafness

Loss of hearing due to damage to the eardrum or bones of the middle ear

Sensorineural Hear Loss

Loss of hearing due to damage to the Cochlea, basilar membrane, or hair cells of the inner ear

Olfactory Stimulation

Transduction in the nasal cavity by odorants (smell)

Pheromones

A chemical signal or scent

Gustation

Sense of Taste

Supertasters, Medium tasters, and no tasters

the number of taste receptors on the tongue

Touch

Our skin has specific receptors for temperature, pain, and pressure

Phantom Limb

Pain and sensations felt in a nonexistent Limb

Pain

A psychological interpretation of touch

Gate Control Theory of Pain

The spinal cord has gates that can open and close in response to pain signals to the Brain. Soothing stimuli like subbing a wound can close or minimize the gate.

Kinesthesis

Using sensors in muscles, tendons, and joints for position and balance without having to look at the body as it moves

Vestibular Sense

Using fluid movement in the inner ear semicircular canals to maintain balance and equilibrium