ap psych unit 1 vocab 119-170

transduction

the process by which sensory information is converted into neural signals that the brain can interpret. This process is crucial for how we perceive and interact with the world around us.

absolute threshold

Minimum stimulation needed to detect a particular stimulus 50% of the time.

just-noticeable difference

Minimum difference between two stimuli required for detection 50% of the time. aka difference threshold

sensory adaptation

Diminished sensitivity as a consequence of constant stimulation. Like when wearing a band-aid, jewelry, glasses, or getting into a cold pool.

weber’s law

describes the relationship between the magnitude of a stimulus and the smallest detectable difference in that stimulus

sensory interaction

occurs when one sense affects the perception of another, leading to a combined sensory experience. This can enhance or alter our overall perception.

synesthesia

a neurological condition in which stimulation of one sensory pathway leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in another sensory pathway. People might hear colors, see sounds, or taste shapes, resulting in a blending of the senses.

retina

The light-sensitive inner surface of the eye, containing receptor rods and cones plus layers of other neurons (bipolar and ganglion cells) that process visual information.

blind spot

Where optic nerve leaves eye…no receptors here

optic nerve

a bundle of nerve fibers that transmits visual information from the retina in the eye to the brain, specifically to the visual cortex.

lens

a transparent structure in the eye

accommodation

the process by which the eye adjusts its focus to maintain a clear image of objects at different distances. This is primarily achieved through the action of the lens

nearsightedness

A condition in which nearby objects are seen more clearly than distant objects because eye is elongated in shape, so the image focuses before it hits the retina.

farsightedness

A condition in which faraway objects are seen more clearly than near objects because the eye is shortened and the image focuses after it hits the retina.

photoreceptors

cell in the retina that is sensitive to light and can convert light signals into information used by the brain to create a visual representation.

rods

photoreceptors that are sensitive to light

cones (blue, green, & red)

photoreceptors that are sensitive to color and fine detail

trichromatic theory

Based on behavioral experiments, Helmholtz suggested that the retina contains three receptors (cones) sensitive to red, blue, and green colors.

opponent-process theory

Hering proposed that we process four primary colors opposed in pairs of red-green, blue-yellow, and black-white.

afterimages

visual illusion in which retinal impressions persist after the removal of a stimulus

ganglion cells

neurons in the retina that collect visual information from the outside world and send it to the brain; form the optic nerve

dichromatism

a specific type of color blindness in which an individual has only two types of functioning cone photoreceptors in the retina instead of the usual three. This leads to the inability to distinguish certain colors.

monochromatism

Complete color deficiency does exist but is very rare…it would be like watching a black and white movie; lack functional color photoreceptors in retina

prosopagnosia

a neurological condition that impairs an individual’s ability to recognize familiar faces, including those of friends, family, and even their own face in some cases.

blindsight

a condition in which a person can respond to a visual stimulus without consciously experiencing it.

wavelength

the distance from the peak of one wave to the peak of the next.

pitch/frequency

Dimension of frequency determined by wavelength of sound… measured in hertz (Hz)

amplitude

how high each wave is; intensity

loudness/intensity

amount of energy in a wave determined by amplitude; related to perceived loudness; measured in decibels

place theory

sound frequencies stimulate basilar membrane at specific places resulting in perceived pitch.

volley theory

helps explain how we can hear high-pitched sounds. By using the combined responses of many cells, our brain figures out the pitch of the sound. Instead of one nerve cell firing for a sound, groups of nerve cells work together. They take turns firing, or “volleying,” their responses to the sound.

frequency theory

states that the rate of nerve impulses traveling up the auditory nerve matches the frequency of a tone, thus enabling us to sense its pitch.

sound localization

how we determine where sounds are coming from, using our ears and brain. It’s crucial for our safety and communication.

conduction deafness

Hearing loss caused by damage to the mechanical system that conducts sound waves to the cochlea.

sensorineural deafness

Hearing loss caused by damage to the cochlea’s receptor cells or to the auditory nerve, also called nerve deafness.

olfactory system

receptors in the nasal cavity convert airborne chemical molecules into neural signals.

thalamus

the forebrain’s sensory control center, located on top of the brainstem; it directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla.

pheromones

chemical signals that provide information to members of the same species; mark territories, etc.

gustation

Taste is a chemical sense because a substance is what is detected (not just energy like in sight and hearing).

taste receptors

a part of taste buds; each taste bud has 50-150 taste receptor cells

supertasters

individuals with more papillae (therefore, more taste buds) on their tongues. (35-60)

medium tasters

make up approximately 50% of the population. They have about 15 to 35 taste buds per section.

nontasters

likely to have 15 or fewer taste buds per six-millimeter section.

sensory interaction

When one sense affects another sense, __________ takes place.

warm/cold receptors

specialized nerve endings in the skin called thermoreceptors that detect changes in temperature

gate control theory

Melzak and Wall proposed that our spinal cord contains neurological “gates” that either block pain or allow it to be sensed.

phantom limb

Amputees feel painful sensations that seem to be originating from the missing part. Could be due to “cross wiring” in the somatosensory cortex with nearby areas taking over for the missing limb, so stimulation of those parts cause a ”sensation” in missing limb.

vestibular sense

monitors the head (and whole body’s) position in space.

semicircular canals

a set of three fluid-filled tubes in the inner ear that help maintain balance and coordination

kinesthesis

The sense of our INDIVIDUAL body parts’ position and movement. Understanding where your body parts are in regard to each other.