Question 1

The two-point threshold varies for different parts of the body.

Accepted Answer

The two-point threshold is the minimum distance at which two points of stimulation can be perceived as separate. It varies for different parts of the body due to the differences in the density of sensory receptors in each area. For example, the fingertips have a smaller two-point threshold than the back of the hand because there are more sensory receptors in the fingertips.

Question 2

Researchers have compared non-tasters, medium tasters, and supertasters by actually counting the number of taste buds on the tongues of subjects.

Accepted Answer

Yes, researchers have compared non-tasters, medium tasters, and supertasters by actually counting the number of taste buds on the tongues of subjects.

Question 3

The technical name for the sensation of smell is called gustation.

Accepted Answer

The technical name for the sensation of smell is called olfaction, not gustation. Gustation refers to the sensation of taste.

Question 4

Supertasters have the same number of taste buds as medium and non-tasters.

Accepted Answer

Supertasters have a higher density of taste buds on their tongues compared to medium and non-tasters.

Question 5

The textbook calls illusions a form of hallucination.

Accepted Answer

Illusions are distortions or misinterpretations of actual sensory information, while hallucinations involve perceiving something that is not actually there.

Question 6

The Gestalt principle of closure refers to our tendency to complete figures with gaps in them.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately describes the Gestalt principle of closure.

Question 7

Our vestibular sense detects movement and provides information about where we are in space.

Accepted Answer

The vestibular sense is responsible for detecting movement, changes in position, and providing information about our body's orientation and spatial awareness.

Question 8

Convergence is associated with monocular depth cues.

Accepted Answer

Convergence is a binocular depth cue, as it involves both eyes working together to perceive depth by the angle of convergence when focusing on an object. Monocular depth cues involve only one eye.

Question 9

The role of pain is to serve as a warning and protection mechanism.

Accepted Answer

Pain is a necessary warning sign that something is wrong or potentially harmful to our bodies. It alerts us to take action and protect ourselves from further injury or damage. While it may be uncomfortable, pain serves an important purpose in keeping us safe and healthy.

Question 10

Hearing aids are most often used if there is damage to the auditory nerve that connects the cochlea to the brain.

Accepted Answer

Hearing aids are most commonly used to help individuals with hearing loss caused by damage to the hair cells or other parts of the inner ear, rather than damage to the auditory nerve. However, in some cases, individuals with auditory nerve damage may be candidates for a cochlear implant.

Question 11

The ancient Chinese technique of acupuncture appears to work because it stimulates the release of endorphins.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers produced by the body.

Question 12

Gate-control theory suggests that you can control your experience of pain through cognition.

Accepted Answer

Gate-control theory proposes that cognitive and emotional factors can either open or close a "gate" in the spinal cord that regulates the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Therefore, cognitive strategies such as distraction, relaxation, and positive thinking can be effective in reducing the perception of pain.

Question 13

Each skin receptor responds only to touch, pressure, warmth, or cold.

Accepted Answer

Skin receptors can also respond to other sensations such as pain, itch, and vibration.

Question 14

As we view people and objects from different angles and distances and under different lighting conditions, we tend to see them as maintaining the same size, shape, brightness, and colour. We call this phenomenon Gestalt constancy.

Accepted Answer

The phenomenon is called perceptual constancy, not Gestalt constancy. Perceptual constancy refers to our ability to see things as being constant even as lighting, angle, and distance change.

Question 15

Our ability to identify foods with similar texture is most influenced by our sense of taste.

Accepted Answer

Our sense of touch (specifically, the receptors in our mouth and tongue) plays a larger role in identifying foods with similar texture. Taste is only one aspect of flavor, which also includes factors such as aroma and texture.

Question 16

Because David is quite sensitive to certain artificial sweeteners, he would probably be classified as a supertaster.

Accepted Answer

Supertasters have an increased sensitivity to certain tastes, including bitter, and are often more sensitive to artificial sweeteners like saccharin and cyclamate. Therefore, David's sensitivity to artificial sweeteners suggests that he may be a supertaster.

Question 17

The olfactory neurons relay signals directly to the thalamus.

Accepted Answer

The olfactory neurons relay signals to the olfactory bulb, which then sends the signals to regions of the brain including the olfactory cortex and the thalamus.

Question 18

Taste receptors have a very short life span and are continually being replaced.

Accepted Answer

Taste receptors have a lifespan of about 10-14 days and are constantly being renewed.

Question 19

The two-point threshold measures how far apart two points must be before we feel them as separate touches.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately describes the two-point threshold.

Question 20

People would be better off if they could not feel pain.

Accepted Answer

Pain serves as a protective mechanism and alerts us to potential harm, injury or illness. Without the ability to feel pain, people may not realize they have a serious injury or illness and may not seek appropriate medical attention. Pain also helps us learn from our experiences and avoid similar situations in the future.

Quiz 3: Sensation and Perception