You and a friend are quizzing each other in preparation for your next psychology test. Your friend asks you which theory of pitch relies on the rate of vibration in the basilar membrane, does not depend on where in the basilar membrane the vibrations take place, and equates rate of firing with a neural code for pitch. Because you know the answer, you instantly say,

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The frequency theory of pitch perception suggests that the rate of vibration (frequency) of the basilar membrane itself corresponds to the perceived pitch. It posits that the entire basilar membrane vibrates in unison at the frequency of the sound, and this vibration rate is directly translated into the rate of nerve impulses, which the brain interprets as pitch. This theory contrasts with place theory, which suggests that different areas of the basilar membrane are sensitive to different frequencies.  The frequency theory predicts that a sound wave with a frequency of 100 Hz will cause the basilar membrane to vibrate 100 times a second. This theory also predicts that the vibrations of the basilar membrane will cause neurons to fire at the same rate; the rate of firing is the neural code for pitch.

You and a Friend Are Quizzing Each Other in Preparation