Deck 3: Sensation and Perception

Question 1

The process of converting sensory data into electrochemical signals is called:

A) perception.
B) sensation.
C) adaptation.
D) transduction.

Answer 1

transduction.

Question 2

Which correlation coefficient would a researcher MOST likely find between college students' GPAs and the number of hours they spend using social media each week?

A) -.85
B) -.30
C) .05
D) .35

Answer 2

-.30

Question 3

"It's so noisy! How can you stand it?" remarks Caitlyn as highway traffic screams past her friend Dave's ground-floor apartment."I don't even notice it anymore," Dave replies.This exchange BEST exemplifies the psychophysical concept of:

A) adaptation.
B) adjustment.
C) accommodation.
D) attenuation.

Answer 3

adaptation.

Question 4

Which sentence provides an example of data-based processing?

A) People see what is in front of them.
B) People see what they want to see.
C) People see what they expect to see.
D) People can sometimes see what is not there.

Question 5

The stimulus intensity that is detected half the time,on average,is called the _____ threshold.

A) absolute
B) adaptation
C) difference
D) Weber

Question 6

Anna is reading her psychology text.The activation of receptors in her retina is called _____.Her interpretation of the stimuli as particular words is called _____.

A) perception; perception
B) perception; sensation
C) sensation; perception
D) sensation; sensation

Question 7

On a graph depicting an absolute threshold,the absolute threshold is the point on the ____-axis that corresponds to a value of 50% on the _____-axis.

A) x; x
B) x; y
C) y; x
D) y; y

Question 8

Detection is to interpretation as _____ is to _____.

A) perception; sensation
B) sensation; perception
C) perception; transduction
D) transduction; sensation

Question 9

Which statement MOST accurately expresses the relationship between knowledge-based and data-based processing?

A) Knowledge-based processing is bottom-up processing; data-based processing is top-down processing.
B) Knowledge-based processing is top-down processing; data-based processing is bottom-up processing.
C) Knowledge-based processing always precedes data-based processing.
D) Data-based processing always precedes knowledge-based processing.

Question 10

When Sanjay recognizes line segments and areas of light and dark on his friend's face at an airport gate,he is demonstrating:

A) sensation.
B) adaptation.
C) constancy.
D) perception.

Question 11

A person can detect a single drop of perfume diffused in an area the size of a one-bedroom apartment.This is a(n):

A) absolute threshold.
B) difference threshold.
C) just noticeable difference.
D) psychophysical minimum.

Question 12

Data-based processing is to knowledge-based processing as _____ is to _____.

A) bottom-up processing; top-down processing
B) top-down processing; bottom-up processing
C) perception processing; sensation processing
D) experience processing; sensory information processing

Question 13

In a psychophysical experiment,observers first view an adapting stimulus in which small dots on a computer screen all move steadily toward the right.They then view a test stimulus in which they have to determine whether a patch of dots is stationary or moving.Based on the textbook's discussion,one might predict that the adapting stimulus would:

A) decrease observers' absolute threshold for motion detection.
B) increase observers' absolute threshold for motion detection.
C) have little or no effect on observers' absolute threshold for motion detection.
D) decrease observers' difference threshold for motion detection.

Question 14

Regarding sensation and perception,which statement is TRUE?

A) Perception generally precedes sensation in the processing of a stimulus.
B) Sensation and perception are essentially synonyms.
C) Sensation involves the interpretation of a stimulus,whereas perception does not.
D) Sensation involves the activation of sense receptors; perception involves interpretation.

Question 15

A snack manufacturer finds that it must increase the salt content of its chips by 8% in order for a sample of consumers to notice that the chips are saltier than they were before.This example BEST illustrates the concept of a(n):

A) absolute threshold.
B) difference threshold.
C) just noticeable difference.
D) difference threshold,or just noticeable difference.

Question 16

The process by which receptor cells detect stimuli is called:

A) adaptation.
B) perception.
C) sensation.
D) transduction.

Question 17

Transduction refers to:

A) the initial reception and detection of stimuli.
B) organizing sensory data into something meaningful.
C) converting sensory information into electrochemical signals.
D) becoming less aware of unchanging stimuli.

Question 18

According to the textbook,college students' GPAs are _____ correlated with the time they spend using social media.

A) not
B) weakly
C) negatively
D) positively

Question 19

_____ is the first step in _____.

A) Perception; transduction
B) Sensation; transduction
C) Perception; sensation
D) Transduction; sensation

Question 20

The feeling of being threatened at the sight of a weapon impairs an eyewitness's perception of the perpetrator's features.This is MOST likely because of:

A) transductive interference
B) data-based processing.
C) knowledge-based processing.
D) precognition

Question 21

In signal detection theory,errors are termed:

A) hits or correct rejections.
B) correct rejections or false alarms.
C) false alarms or misses.
D) misses or hits.

Question 22

Which statement BEST expresses the influence of subliminal stimuli?

A) Subliminal stimuli have no effect on emotion or behavior.
B) Subliminal stimuli have a short-lived effect on emotion.
C) Subliminal stimuli have a lasting effect on behavior.
D) Subliminal stimuli have lasting effects on emotion and behavior.

Question 23

Why,really,do we adapt after prolonged exposure to a constant stimulus?

A) so that we will continue to respond to ongoing stimulation
B) so that we don't become distracted by irrelevant changes in the environment
C) so that we detect potentially important changes in what's going on
D) so that we don't become overstimulated by the environment

Question 24

Acme Foods wants to make its chips saltier,but it doesn't want to spend more than it has to on salt.A sample of consumers are asked to compare its current chip (saltiness = 100)with saltier versions and to say whether the new version is saltier.On average,sample consumers reliably say the new chip is saltier when its saltiness value is 108,but not when its saltiness value is below 108.Assuming Acme Foods' sample consumers are representative of people in general,which of the following BEST represents the difference threshold for saltiness?

A) 8%
B) 108
C) 80%
D) 100

Question 25

Rather than increase food prices,manufacturers sometimes decrease the amount of food in a package,often imperceptibly.Suppose Acme Foods wants to raise the price of peanut butter but still sell each jar for $3.19.The current jar contains 10 oz.of peanut butter.Assume the Weber ratio for felt weight is .05.Which of the following is the smallest-size jar that will still feel the same as the 10 oz.jar to most people?

A) 8.00 oz.
B) 9.95 oz
C) 9.50 oz.
D) 8.50 oz.

Question 26

Subliminal perception: fact or fiction?

A) Fact: Advertisers splice split-second frames into movies telling viewers to buy cola.
B) Fact: Empirical research suggests that priming can have substantial,long-term effects on behavior.
C) Fact,sort of: Empirical research suggests that priming can have brief,subtle effects on behavior.
D) Fiction,totally.

Question 27

The function relating the value of a stimulus along some dimension to the just noticeable difference is known as _____ law.

A) Wernicke's
B) Wundt's
C) Watson's
D) Weber's

Question 28

Which statement MOST accurately describes the relationship between the electromagnetic spectrum and visible light?

A) The "electromagnetic spectrum" is just jargon for "visible light." They are the same thing.
B) The electromagnetic spectrum refers to a small portion of the spectrum of visible light.
C) A small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum is seen as visible light.
D) Most,but not all,of the electromagnetic spectrum is seen as visible light.

Question 29

The textbook notes that some birds can detect the ultraviolet radiation reflected from feathers of potential mates.As compared to humans,then,these birds can see _____ wavelengths.

A) higher-amplitude
B) higher-frequency
C) lower-amplitude
D) lower-frequency

Question 30

Visible light ranges in wavelength from _____ nm to _____ nm.

A) 200; 700
B) 200; 1000
C) 400; 700
D) 400; 1000

Question 31

In signal detection theory,the correct detection of a stimulus is called a:

A) hit.
B) false alarm.
C) miss.
D) correct rejection.

Question 32

Which dimension of color is matched with the correct light wave property?

A) saturation - wavelength
B) brightness - wavelength
C) hue - amplitude
D) purity - wavelength uniformity

Question 33

The height of a light wave determines a color's:

A) hue.
B) brightness.
C) purity.
D) saturation.

Question 34

Which of the following MOST closely approximates the meaning of the term "noise" as psychophysicists use it?

A) unpleasant sound
B) distraction
C) loud sound
D) error

Question 35

On each trial in an experiment,a researcher exposes participants to either a pleasant or an unpleasant priming picture for several milliseconds.She then shows participants a picture of a person's face and asks the participants to rate the person's likeability.The researcher is MOST likely studying:

A) subliminal influences.
B) adaptation.
C) difference thresholds.
D) transduction.

Question 36

With respect to light waves,frequency is to amplitude as _____ is to _____.

A) brightness; hue
B) hue; brightness
C) saturation; hue
D) brightness; saturation

Question 37

In a signal detection experiment,no tone is presented on a particular trial.A participant,however,reports that she heard a tone.The participant's response is a:

A) hit.
B) false alarm.
C) miss.
D) correct rejection.

Question 38

Violet is to red as _____ is to _____.

A) long wavelength; short wavelength
B) 400 nm; 700 nm
C) low amplitude; high amplitude
D) 700 nm; 400 nm

Question 39

For a given stimulus dimension,such as weight,a difference threshold is a:

A) fixed value.
B) constant proportion.
C) variable proportion.
D) random value.

Question 40

Luis remembers to add the half-teaspoon of sugar to Erica's black coffee."Mmm! You remembered the sugar!" Erica exclaims in satisfaction after taking her first sip.In the language of signal detection theory,Erica's response is a:

A) miss.
B) correct rejection.
C) false alarm.
D) hit.

Question 41

As compared to cones,rods are:

A) more densely concentrated in the fovea.
B) more responsible for color perception.
C) more sensitive to light.
D) less numerous.

Question 42

Which statement BEST describes the optic disc?

A) It is the region in the retina where the cones are most densely packed.
B) It is the exposed portion of the pupil when the iris dilates or contracts.
C) It is the location in the eye where the optic nerve exits the retina.
D) It is the transparent,oval-shaped structure,through which incoming light is focused.

Question 43

Which structure of the eye is correctly matched with its description?

A) pupil - tough transparent structure that focuses light
B) cornea - clear outer layer that covers the eye
C) iris - black hole in the center of the eye
D) lens - muscles controlling the amount of light entering the eye

Question 44

Adelaide notices a flicker of motion out of the corner of her eye as she hurries down a dim alley late at night.Sydney deciphers a complex wiring diagram under the bright glare of her desk lamp.Adelaide's vision is driven mainly by her _____.Sydney is mainly using her ______.

A) cones; cones
B) rods; rods
C) cones; rods
D) rods; cones

Question 45

The lens changes shape to focus an image on the retina; that is,the lens:

A) accommodates.
B) adapts.
C) assimilates.
D) adjusts.

Question 46

Which sequence accurately reflects the order in which light passes through the structures of the eye during vision?

A) pupil,cornea,lens,retina
B) pupil,lens,cornea,retina
C) cornea,lens,pupil,retina
D) cornea,pupil,lens,retina

Question 47

Rod is to cone as _____ is to _____.

A) bright light; dim light
B) fovea; outside the fovea
C) color; black-and-white
D) more numerous; less numerous

Question 48

The optic nerve is composed of axons of:

A) bipolar cells.
B) ganglion cells.
C) rods and cones.
D) foveal cells.

Question 49

According to the textbook,the average person can see _____ colors.

A) nearly 1,000
B) about 10,000
C) just over 200,000
D) over 2,000,000

Question 50

Mel,who is 55 years old,is becoming presbyopic,straining to read the fine print on business contracts held at arm's length.What is happening to his eyes?

A) His lenses are becoming less elastic.
B) His pupils are dilating.
C) His corneas are becoming cloudy.
D) His retinas are degenerating.

Question 51

The point at which the optic nerves meet and then split is called the optic:

A) callosum.
B) fissure.
C) chiasm.
D) sulcus.

Question 52

Within the eye itself,the _____ is the final destination for light waves.

A) pupil
B) lens
C) cornea
D) retina

Question 53

"I like this one!" Sam exclaims,holding out a blue paint swatch."Wow! That's a really blue blue! I prefer this one," Adriana responds,pointing to a teal sample.As compared to Sam's color choice,Adriana's is:

A) not as bright.
B) of a lower-wavelength.
C) less saturated.
D) brighter.

Question 54

Which structure of the eye is correctly matched with its function?

A) pupil - focuses light on the retina
B) cornea - regulates the amount of light entering the eye
C) iris - controls the pupil
D) lens - protects the eye

Question 55

Which statement BEST expresses the relationship between the retina and the fovea?

A) They are one and the same: the terms are synonymous.
B) The retina is part of the fovea.
C) The fovea is part of the retina.
D) Light passes through the fovea on its way to the retina.

Question 56

Mia is attracted to a man she is chatting with in a nightclub.What is probably happening to her eyes?

A) Her irises are constricting.
B) Her lenses are stiffening.
C) Her pupils are dilating.
D) Her corneas are expanding.

Question 57

The thin layer of receptors at the back of the eye is called the:

A) iris.
B) lens.
C) cornea.
D) retina.

Question 58

Within the eye,focusing light is the job of the:

A) iris and cornea.
B) cornea and pupil.
C) lens and the pupil.
D) cornea and the lens.

Question 59

Approximately 65% to 75% of the eye's focusing ability comes from the:

A) cornea.
B) pupil.
C) lens.
D) retina.

Question 60

Which sequence accurately reflects the order in which light stimulates cells early in the visual processing of an image?

A) ganglion cells,then bipolar cells,then rods and cones
B) bipolar cells,then rods and cones,then ganglion cells
C) ganglion cells,then rods and cones,then bipolar cells
D) rods and cones,then bipolar cells,then ganglion cells

Question 61

Megan is in a mall shop looking at a blue sweater.How does she know it's blue?

A) Blue/yellow opponent-process cells in the cortex increase their rate of firing.
B) Cones responsive to blue light in the retina begin responding.
C) Cones responsive to blue light in the retina begin responding,and blue/yellow opponent-process cells in the cortex increase their rate of firing.
D) Blue/yellow opponent-process cells in the retina begin responding,and cells responsive to blue in the occipital cortex increase their rate of firing.

Question 62

Concerning the perception of color,trichromatic theory is associated with _____.Opponent-process theory is associated with _____.

A) Hermann von Helmholtz; Evald Hering
B) Evald Hering; Hermann von Helmholtz
C) Hermann von Helmholtz; David Hubel
D) David Hubel; Hermann von Helmholtz

Question 63

As compared to its prevalence among women,color blindness is ________ among men.

A) less common
B) about as common
C) slightly more common
D) quite a bit more common

Question 64

How do trichromatic and opponent-process theories differ?

A) In opponent-process theory,the cells responsive to color operate in conjunction rather than independently.
B) In opponent-process theory,the cells responsive to color operate independently rather than in conjunction.
C) Opponent-process theory suggests that there are three,rather than four,primary colors.
D) Trichromatic theory offers better explains the perception of afterimages.

Question 65

Which of the following sounds produces the MOST decibels?

A) rainfall
B) a normal conversation
C) a hair dryer
D) a motorcycle

Question 66

Loudness is measured in:

A) dB.
B) Hz.
C) nm.
D) p.s.i.

Question 67

Trichromatic theory is to opponent-process theory as _____ is to _____.

A) Hering; von Helmholtz
B) thalamus; retina
C) color deficiency; afterimages
D) red,blue,green,yellow; red,blue,green

Question 68

Suppose someone stares at an illustration of the American flag for a while and then glances at a blank white page.Why do the red stripes look green when the person glances at the blank page?

A) Cones responsive to green light begin firing.
B) Cones responsive to red light stop firing.
C) Opponent-process cells activated by red light become fatigued.
D) Opponent-process cells activated by green light begin adapting.

Question 69

About _____% of European-American males exhibit a color deficiency.About _____% of European-American females exhibit a color deficiency.

A) 1; 1
B) 1; 8
C) 8; 1
D) 8; 8

Question 70

The sense of _____ is called audition.

A) taste
B) smell
C) balance
D) hearing

Question 71

Visual feature detectors are found in the _____ lobe.

A) frontal
B) temporal
C) parietal
D) occipital

Question 72

The cones dark-adapt in about _____ minutes.The rods dark-adapt in about _____ minutes.

A) 5; 8
B) 5; 30
C) 8; 15
D) 8; 30

Question 73

In the most common form of color blindness:

A) everything is seen in black and white.
B) blue and yellow cannot be distinguished.
C) blue and green cannot be distinguished.
D) red and green cannot be distinguished.

Question 74

With respect to the trichromatic and opponent-process theories of color perception,which statement is MOST accurate?

A) Trichromatic theory has largely been discredited.
B) Opponent-process theory has largely been discredited.
C) Trichromatic theory describes color processing early in the visual system; opponent-process theory describes color processing later on in the visual system.
D) Opponent-process theory describes color processing early in the visual system; trichromatic theory describes color processing later on in the visual system.

Question 75

Suppose each pixel on a TV screen or computer monitor codes the color of an image at that point in terms of red,blue,and green values.This closely resembles the way:

A) color is represented in the retina.
B) color is processed in the brain.
C) opponent-process theory states that color is processed.
D) that both the trichromatic and opponent-process theories state that color is processed.

Question 76

Damon,who is among the 8% of males with color blindness,suffers from the most common form of color blindness.Which statement BEST illustrates Damon's experience of color?

A) The blue sky and green grass appear to be the same color.
B) A pound of butter looks to be the same color as the blue dish on which it is resting.
C) Everything looks black,gray,or white.
D) Red apples on a tree seem to be the same color as the surrounding green leaves.

Question 77

Sounds cause immediate damage to the auditory system when their amplitude exceeds:

A) 70 dB.
B) 140 dB.
C) 70 Hz.
D) 140 Hz.

Question 78

In vision,the amplitude of a light wave relates to people's perception of the brightness of a stimulus.To which perceptual dimension does the amplitude of a sound wave correspond in hearing?

A) loudness
B) pitch
C) purity
D) timbre

Question 79

Which statement is true regarding the architecture of the visual cortex?

A) Many neurons in the visual cortex respond only to very specific visual features or stimuli.
B) There are two or three areas in the cortex specialized for visual processing.
C) Most neurons in the visual cortex respond to a broad array of visual features and stimuli.
D) Most neurons in the visual cortex respond only to simple points of light.

Question 80

Which of the following is a shortcoming of trichromatic theory?

A) It doesn't explain how colors other than red,blue,or green are perceived.
B) It doesn't offer an adequate explanation for the perception of afterimages.
C) It doesn't offer an explanation of color deficiency.
D) It doesn't explain how color is processed in the retina.