Untitled Flashcards Set

Processing

The way in which sensory information is interpreted and understood.

Top-down processing

A cognitive process that starts with higher-level mental processes, using existing knowledge to interpret sensory information.

Bottom-up processing

A type of information processing that begins with sensory input, analyzing the raw data to form a perception.

Sensory adaptation

The diminished sensitivity to a stimulus as a consequence of constant exposure to that stimulus.

Absolute Threshold

The minimum intensity of a stimulus that can be detected 50% of the time.

Phi phenomenon

An optical illusion where stationary objects viewed in rapid succession appear to be in motion.

Gestalt Psychology

A psychological approach that emphasizes that the whole of anything is greater than its parts.

Anatomy of the eye

The structure of the eye, including components like the cornea, lens, retina, and pupil, that contribute to vision.

Where in the brain sight is processed

Visual information is primarily processed in the occipital lobe.

How is sight processed

Sight processing involves the routing of sensory input from the retina through the optic nerve to the visual cortex.

The Three color theory

A theory proposing that there are three primary colors (red, green, blue) and that combinations of these create all other colors.

Opponent processing theory

A theory that suggests color perception is controlled by the activity of two opponent systems: a blue-yellow mechanism and a red-green mechanism.

Change blindness

The phenomenon where a change in a visual stimulus goes unnoticed by the observer.

Inattention blindness

A psychological lack of attention that leads to missing out on significant elements in an environment.

Feature detectors

Neurons in the brain that respond to specific features of a stimulus, such as edges, angles, and movement.

Monocular cues for depth perception

Visual cues that can be perceived with one eye, such as relative size and interposition.

Binocular cues for depth perception

Visual cues that require the use of both eyes, such as binocular disparity and convergence.

Anatomy of the Nose and Sinus

The structure of the nose and sinus passages that are involved in the sense of smell.

Anatomy of the tongue

The structure of the tongue, including taste buds, involved in the sense of taste.

Gustatory sensations

Sensations that result from the taste processed by the taste buds.

Olfaction sensations

Sensations produced by the detection of chemicals in the air, which are processed as smells.

Anatomy of the ear

The structure of the ear, including the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear, relevant to hearing.

Where in the brain hearing is processed

Auditory information is primarily processed in the temporal lobe.

How is hearing processed

Hearing involves the conversion of sound waves into electrical signals that are interpreted by the brain.

Senionural hearing loss

Hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve.

Conduction hearing loss

Hearing loss caused by problems with the ear canal, eardrum, or middle ear structures.

Touch receptors

Sensory receptors in the skin that respond to various tactile stimuli.

How touch is processed

Touch is processed by sending signals from touch receptors through the spinal cord to the brain.

Where in the brain is touch processed

Touch information is primarily processed in the somatosensory cortex.

How is it different than pain

Touch sensations are distinct from pain in that pain is generally perceived when there is potential harm or injury.

Kinesthesia

The sense of body position and movement, allowing for the perception of one's own movement and limb position.

Proprioception

The body's ability to sense its position and movement in space, often referred to as the 'sixth sense'.