4.24 Multimodal Integration

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the idea of multimodal integration including definitions, examples, and effects.

What is multimodal integration?

The process by which our brain combines signals from different senses (such as vision and hearing) to create a unified experience.

What are the two main features that help in multimodal integration?

Spatial associations (location) and temporal associations (time).

How do spatial associations work in multimodal integration?

Spatial associations refer to merging information from senses that have the same spatial origin or occur in the same place.

What is an example of temporal association?

If a cat walks in and simultaneously meows, the auditory and visual information are integrated due to their coinciding time.

What happens if there's a break in temporal association?

When there is a time delay between two sensory events, the brain is less likely to merge those experiences, possibly leading to different interpretations.

What is the McGurk effect?

An illusion that occurs when conflicting visual and auditory stimuli lead to a perceived sound that is different from either source, typically experienced as a completely new sound.

How does the McGurk effect illustrate multimodal integration?

It shows that when visual and auditory information conflict, our brain merges them into a new experience rather than a middle ground.

What happens when you're watching a video and hearing sounds?

Your brain merges the visual of a person’s mouth moving with the sounds, assuming they are from the same source, despite the sounds coming from speakers or headphones.