Question 1

Which theory best explains how we perceive low-pitched sounds?

Accepted Answer

Frequency theory proposes that the perception of pitch is based on the frequency of the sound wave stimulating the ear. Specifically, low-pitched sounds are perceived because the frequency of the sound wave matches the firing rate of neurons in the auditory nerve, which sends information about the sound to the brain. This theory has been supported by research on how the brain processes sound information.

Question 2

While listening to sad rather than happy music, people are more likely to perceive a spoken work as mourning rather than morning. This best illustrates that perception is influenced by

Accepted Answer

The fact that listening to sad music influences perception suggests that top-down processing, the role that our expectations and context play in our interpretation of sensory information, is at work. In this case, the emotional state induced by the music influences the interpretation of the spoken word, leading to the perception of mourning instead of morning.

Question 3

Which theory predicts when we will first notice a faint stimulus presented amid competing background stimulation?

Accepted Answer

Signal-detection theory predicts when we will first notice a faint stimulus presented amid competing background stimulation. It takes into account both the sensitivity of the individual and the decision-making processes involved in detecting a stimulus.

Question 4

Which theory suggests that large-fiber activity in the spinal cord can prevent pain signals from reaching the brain?

Accepted Answer

The gate-control theory suggests that large-fiber activity in the spinal cord can prevent pain signals from reaching the brain. This is because stimulation of the large fibers (such as from a massage or rubbing an injury) can activate inhibitory signals that "close the gate" for pain signals traveling through small fibers, thereby reducing or blocking pain perception. The gate-control theory suggests that large-fiber activity in the spinal cord can prevent pain signals from reaching the brain. This theory proposes that the spinal cord contains a "gate" that can open or close, allowing or blocking pain signals from reaching the brain. Large-fiber activity (such as from non-painful touch) can stimulate the gate to close, blocking pain signals from being transmitted.

Question 5

Which theory would suggest that watching a horror movie late at night could lower your absolute threshold for sound as you subsequently tried to fall asleep?

Accepted Answer

The signal detection theory suggests that the absolute threshold for detecting a stimulus is not fixed, but rather influenced by factors such as expectation, experience, and motivation. Therefore, watching a horror movie late at night could potentially increase one's sensitivity to sound, making it easier to detect even the smallest noises when trying to fall asleep. The signal detection theory focuses on how we make decisions about uncertain stimuli, such as detecting a sound in the presence of background noise. Watching a horror movie late at night could potentially increase our level of arousal, making us more alert and better able to detect sounds. This could lower our absolute threshold for sound as we subsequently try to fall asleep, as we are more sensitive to detecting any potential threats or disturbances.

Question 6

Which receptor cells most directly enable us to distinguish different wavelengths of light?

Accepted Answer

Cones are the receptor cells that enable us to distinguish different wavelengths of light, also known as color vision. Rods are responsible for our ability to see in low light conditions, but are not involved in color perception. Bipolar cells and feature detectors are involved in intermediate stages of visual processing, but not directly in distinguishing different wavelengths of light.

Question 7

Which theory emphasizes that personal expectations and motivations influence the level of absolute thresholds?

Accepted Answer

Signal detection theory emphasizes that personal expectations and motivations influence the level of absolute thresholds. It suggests that perception not only depends on the physical intensity of a stimulus but also on the psychological factors of the person perceiving it. Signal detection theory emphasizes that personal expectations and motivations can influence the level of absolute thresholds. This theory suggests that sensory threshold levels are not solely determined by physical stimuli but are also influenced by factors such as a person's expectations, motivations, and previous experiences.

Quiz 6: Perception