Sensation & Perception Lecture Notes

A collection of flashcards covering key concepts related to sensation and perception, including depth perception, attention, hearing, and pain perception.

Depth Perception

The ability to see objects in three dimensions, though images on the retina are two-dimensional.

Binocular Cues

Depth perception cues derived from the use of both eyes.

Monocular Cues

Depth cues available to either eye alone.

Interposition

A monocular cue where one object partially blocks another, indicating the first object is closer.

Texture Gradient

A monocular cue that indicates depth based on the texture of surfaces.

Haze

A monocular cue where distant objects appear less distinct due to atmospheric conditions.

Shading

A depth cue where shadows help indicate the contours of an object.

Motion Parallax

A depth cue that involves the difference in speed of movement based on distance.

Attention

The process of directing psychological resources to specific stimuli.

Overt Attention

A form of attention where one visibly focuses on a stimulus.

Covert Attention

A form of attention where one focuses on a stimulus without visible cues.

Conduction Hearing Loss

Hearing loss resulting from the middle ear's inability to conduct sound well to the cochlea.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Hearing loss due to damage to the receptor cells or auditory nerves.

Cochlear Implant

A device that replaces the function of damaged hair cells, translating sound waves into electrical signals.

Loudness

The perception of sound intensity, related to the amplitude of sound waves.

Pitch

The perception of how high or low a sound is, determined by the frequency of sound waves.

Frequency Theory

A theory stating that hair cells send signals at whatever rate the sound is received at low frequencies.

Place Theory

A theory suggesting that different locations in the cochlea correspond to different pitches at high frequencies.

Gate-Control Theory

A theory positing that a neurological 'gate' in the spinal cord can block or allow pain signals to pass to the brain.

Endorphins

Natural pain-relieving chemicals produced by the body.

Social Contagion

The phenomenon where one's pain experience is influenced by the pain of others.

Biopsychosocial Model

An approach that considers biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding pain perception.