Review Questions

1. ________ refers to the minimum amount of stimulus energy required to be detected 50% of the time.

2. Decreased sensitivity to an unchanging stimulus is known as ________.

3. ________ involves the conversion of sensory stimulus energy into neural impulses.

4. ________ occurs when sensory information is organized, interpreted, and consciously experienced.

5. Which of the following correctly matches the pattern in our perception of color as we move from short wavelengths to long wavelengths?

6. The visible spectrum includes light that ranges from about ________.

7. The electromagnetic spectrum includes ________.

8. The audible range for humans is ________.

9. The quality of a sound that is affected by frequency, amplitude, and timing of the sound wave is known as ________.

10. The ________ is a small indentation of the retina that contains cones.

11. ________ operate best under bright light conditions.

12. ________ depth cues require the use of both eyes.

13. If you were to stare at a green dot for a relatively long period of time and then shift your gaze to a blank white screen, you would see a ________ negative afterimage.

14. Hair cells located near the base of the basilar membrane respond best to ________ sounds.

15. The three ossicles of the middle ear are known as ________.

16. Hearing aids might be effective for treating ________.

17. Cues that require two ears are referred to as ________ cues.

18. Chemical messages often sent between two members of a species to communicate something about reproductive status are called ________.

19. Which taste is associated with monosodium glutamate?

20. ________ serve as sensory receptors for temperature and pain stimuli.

21. Which of the following is involved in maintaining balance and body posture?

22. According to the principle of ________, objects that occur close to one another tend to be grouped together.

23. Our tendency to perceive things as complete objects rather than as a series of parts is known as the principle of ________.

24. According to the law of ________, we are more likely to perceive smoothly flowing lines rather than choppy or jagged lines.

25. The main point of focus in a visual display is known as the ________.

1. closure
2. perceptual set
3. ground
4. figure

26. Not everything that is sensed is perceived. Do you think there could ever be a case where something could be perceived without being sensed?

27. Please generate a novel example of how just noticeable difference can change as a function of stimulus intensity.

28. Why do you think other species have such different ranges of sensitivity for both visual and auditory stimuli compared to humans?

29. Why do you think humans are especially sensitive to sounds with frequencies that fall in the middle portion of the audible range?

30. Compare the two theories of color perception. Are they completely different?

31. Color is not a physical property of our environment. What function (if any) do you think color vision serves?

32. Given what you’ve read about sound localization, from an evolutionary perspective, how does sound localization facilitate survival?

33. How can temporal and place theories both be used to explain our ability to perceive the pitch of sound waves with frequencies up to 4000 Hz?

34. Many people experience nausea while traveling in a car, plane, or boat. How might you explain this as a function of sensory interaction?

35. If you heard someone say that they would do anything not to feel the pain associated with significant injury, how would you respond given what you’ve just read?

36. Do you think women experience pain differently than men? Why do you think this is?

37. The central tenet of Gestalt psychology is that the whole is different from the sum of its parts. What does this mean in the context of perception?

38. Take a look at the following figure. How might you influence whether people see a duck or a rabbit?

Personal Application Questions

39. Think about a time when you failed to notice something around you because your attention was focused elsewhere. If someone pointed it out, were you surprised that you hadn’t noticed it right away?

40. If you grew up with a family pet, then you have surely noticed that they often seem to hear things that you don’t hear. Now that you’ve read this section, you probably have some insight as to why this may be. How would you explain this to a friend who never had the opportunity to take a class like this?

41. Take a look at a few of your photos or personal works of art. Can you find examples of linear perspective as a potential depth cue? What about any additional depth cues?

42. If you had to choose to lose either your vision or your hearing, which would you choose and why?

43. As mentioned earlier, a food’s flavor represents an interaction of both gustatory and olfactory information. Think about the last time you were seriously congested due to a cold or the flu. What changes did you notice in the flavors of the foods that you ate during this time?

44. Have you ever listened to a song on the radio and sung along only to find out later that you have been singing the wrong lyrics? Once you found the correct lyrics, did your perception of the song change?