Skip to content
Exam Guides

Sensation and Perception Second Edition Test Bank

Sensation and Perception Second Edition Test Bank offers expert-reviewed explanations and practice questions to boost your exam performance.

Preview 16 of 349 pages

See the first 16 pages exactly as they appear in the document.

  1. Page 1
    Read page 1 as text

    Import Settings: Base Settings: Brownstone Default Information Field: Level Information Field: Page Information Field: Topic Information Field: Question Type Information Field: Bloom’s Level Highest Answer Letter: D Multiple Keywords in Same Paragraph: No Chapter: Chapter 1: Essay Essay 1. Describe five distal stimuli and their associated proximal stimuli that one experiences in the environment . No two stimuli should have the same p erceptual dimension . For each of these distal stimulus , discuss the top - down information used in perceiving it. Ans: Answers should first relate sensory experience (visual, auditory, olfactory, etc.) to the physical objects (or, distal stimuli) in the environment, and then show how knowledge and expectations of an observer lead to perception of the stimuli. 2. D escribe three activities in which one uses three different senses to detect small differences in the intensity of sensory stimuli. What role does difference threshold play in each activity? Ans: Cooking can be taken as an example here because one needs to adjust seasonings based on the perception of taste. Similarly, proper functioning of a mechanical device (car, air conditioner, etc.) can be detected based on the sound it makes. In the same way, an observer’s like or dislike for a painting depends on his or her visual perception. The minimum difference between two stimuli that allows an observer to perceive that the two stimuli are different is known as a difference threshold. In all these cases, difference threshold helps an observer to differentiate between any two given stimuli.

  2. Page 2
  3. Page 3
    Read page 3 as text

    3. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of the method of adjustment, the method of constant stimuli, and the staircase method in determining absolute threshold. Ans: The method of adjustment is the simplest method for estimating absolute thresholds. In this method, a person observes the stimulus and manipulates a control that directly adjusts the intensity of the stimulus. The results tend to vary quite a bit, even when the method is used repeatedly with the same person. When compared to the method of adjustment, the method of constant stimuli provides more reliable results. It isn’t very efficient because it involves repeated presentations of stimuli that are already known to be well below or well above threshold. Hence, presenting these stimuli doesn’t generate much useful data. The staircase method is a more efficient version of the method of constant stimuli. It can be used to eliminate repeated presentations of stimuli well below or above the threshold and to focus instead on presenting stimuli near the threshold. 4. If the volume on an audio device is increased from one to two , how should the physical intensity of the sound be change d so that the perceived intensity is doubled ? Explain with the help of Fechner’s law . Ans: According to the text, when the physical intensity of a stimulus is low, doubling the physical stimulus will double the perceived intensity of the stimulus. However, if the intensity of the stimulus is much greater, there should be a considerable increase in the physical stimulus to produce a noticeable difference in the perceived intensity. 5. What is the role of voltage - gated channels in the course of an action potential ? Describe the events in which they play their crucial role. Ans: When a neuron receives a signal from another neuron, the receiving neuron undergoes an abrupt change in membrane potential, which causes voltage - gated sodium channels to open at the base of the axon, where it emerges from the cell body. This in turn allows extracellular sodium ions (Na+) to flow into the axon. They move into the axon because the concentration of Na+ ions is much greater outside the membrane than inside. The influx of positively charged Na+ ions causes the membrane potential to become m ore positive. This change in membrane potential is called depolarization, because the membrane potential is becoming less polarized — that is, less extreme, moving from − 70 mV toward 0. If the depolarization surpasses a threshold at about − 45 mV, the inflow of Na+ ions continues rapidly until the difference in electric charge at the inner and outer surfaces of the membrane is reversed, with the inside of the axon becoming more positively charged than the outside, resulting in a membrane potential of about +30 mV at its peak. Immediately after the sodium channels open, they close again, stemming the inflow of Na+ ions, and nearby potassium channels open (in response to the depolarization of the membrane), allowing positively charged potassium ions (K+) to flow out of the axon, again driven by the

  4. Page 4
    Read page 4 as text

    concentration difference. The outflow of K+ ions pushes the membrane potential back toward its resting value of − 70 mV, a process called repolarization. Like the sodium channels, the potassium channels close again immediately after opening. The membrane potential briefly exceeds the resting potential — this is termed hyperpolarization — before returning to the resting potential. 6. How are neural signals transmitted across a synapse? How do the presynaptic membrane , the postsynaptic membrane , the synaptic vesicles , and neurotransmitters react to an action potential? Ans: A synapse is a tiny gap between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite or cell body of another neuron. Within an axon terminal, synaptic vesicles contain neurotransmitter molecules. The arrival of an action potential causes the synaptic vesicles to merge with the presynaptic membrane, which releases neurotransmitter molecules into the synapse. Some neurotransmitter molecules drift across the synapse and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane (the neurotransmitter molecules fit into the receptors the way a key fits into a lock). Binding causes ion channels to open on the postsynaptic membrane. 7. What is diffuse optical tomography (DOT ) and how is it advantageous over PET and fMRI ? Ans: Diffuse optical tomography (DOT), an emerging type of brain imaging, senses changes in the blood oxygen level in the brain by using optical techniques. DOT employs an array of near - infrared light sources and sensors placed on the head that measure changes in the light reflected by the brain, caused by changes in blood flow. The method has some advantages over PET and fMRI: it does not require the introduction of radioactive substances into the participant’s body (as PET does), and it can be used with participants who have metal implanted in their body (fMRI cannot be used with such participants because of the strong magnetic fields produced by that method). Also, DOT can be used in more naturalistic settings than PET and fMRI can be used in, because DOT equipment is relatively compact. DOT has similar temporal resolution to fMRI, but somewhat lower spatial resolution. 8. E xplain how functional neuroimaging can be used to investigate area s in the brain that perform specific functions . Ans: Functional neuroimaging is an array of techniques that makes it possible for neuroscientists to measure brain activity in healthy volunteers carrying out carefully designed perceptual and cognitive tasks. Functional neuroimaging techniques can be divided into two broad types: techniques for measuring the electrical or magnetic fields produced by populations of active

  5. Page 5
    Read page 5 as text

    neurons (electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography) and techniques for measuring the changes in blood flow and blood oxygenation that accompany brain activity (positron emission tomography, functional magnetic resonance imaging, and diffuse optical tomography). All of these techniques rely on the same assumptions of modularity and cognitive uniformity. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a functional neuroimaging technique based on measurement of the electrical fields associated with brain activity. Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a functional neuroimaging technique based on measurement of the magnetic fields associated with brain activity. Positron emission tomography (PET) is functional neuroimaging technique based on measurement of the changes in blood flow associated with brain activity; relies on the introduction of a radioactive substance into the blood. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a functional neuroimaging technique based on measurement of the changes in blood oxygenation associated with brain activity. It relies on production of magnetic fields in the brain. 9. Explain the concept of modularity in c ognitive n euro psychology with the help of an example. Ans: Cognitive neuropsychology depends on the concept of modularity. Modularity is the idea that the human mind and brain consist of a set of distinct modules, each of which carries out one or more specific functions. Any complex task involves the coordinated activity of many modules, each contributing its part — for example, the task of typing to spoken dictation engages modules involved in audition, language, and finger movements, among others. A module processes only specific types of information, such as information about faces or about speech — that is, a module is domain specific. 10. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of self - driving cars over human - controlled ones. Ans: Self - driving cars may be involved in fewer serious accidents and help with gains in human productivity by allowing people to work while traveling. Self - driving cars may be disadvantaged in situations where humans do not strictly abide by driving laws. Many accidents result from driver inattention or from a driver’s failure to correctly perceive the speed and location of an approaching vehicle or a road obstruction, and in theory, the sensors in self - driving cars would never experience such attentional lapses or perceptual failures. However, a recent study has found that the likelihood of a minor accident involving a self - driving car may be greater than with a human - controlled one.

  6. Page 6
    Read page 6 as text

    Import Settings: Base Settings: Brownstone Default Information Field: Level Information Field: Page Information Field: Topic Information Field: Question Type Information Field: Bloom ’ s Level Highest Answer Letter: D Multiple Keywords in Same Paragraph: No Chapter: Chapter 1 : Multiple Choice Multiple Choice 1. _____ refers to t he later steps in the perceptual process, whereby the initial sensory signals are used to represent objects and events so they can be identified, stored in memory, and used in thought and action. A) Perception B) Sensation C) Dissociation D) Transduction Ans: A Level : E Page: 2 Topic : World, Brain, and Mind 2. A n example of sensation would be: A ) information about a tree contained in neural signals from receptors . B) information in the mind and brain used to identify, store , and use information about a tree. C) the features of a tree getting converted into electrochemical signals . D) an observer’s k nowledge and expectations about a tree . Ans: C Level : M Page: 2 Topic : World, Brain, and Mind

  7. Page 7
    Read page 7 as text

    3. A perceived object or event in the world is known as a _____. A) sensory receptor B) distal stimuli C) proximal stimuli D) neural signal Ans: B Level : E Page: 4 Topic : The Perceptual Process 4. Sensory receptors convert _____ into neural signals . A) difference threshold B) absolute threshold C) distal stimuli D) proximal stimuli Ans: D Level : E Page: 4 Topic : The Perceptual Process 5. Arvi is standing outside his house. He turns his head as he hears an approaching motorcycle . In this scenario , the distal stimulus would be the: A) sound waves reaching his ears. B) light waves reaching his eyes. C) vibration s produced by the motorcycle. D) motorcycle itself. Ans: D Level : D Page: 4 Topic : The Perceptual Process Formatted: Indent: First line: 0 cm

  8. Page 8
    Read page 8 as text

    6. Marco is cooking dinner. He detects the smell of the garlic that he is chopping . In this scenario , the proximal stimulus is the: A) garlic clove. B) signal being sent to the brain about the smell from the receptors. C) odor molecule entering the nose from the garlic. D) interpretation of neural signals in the brain. Ans: C Level : D Page: 4 Topic : The Perceptual Process 7. The objects and events that are perceived and the physical phenomena they produce are known as _____. A) stimuli B) receptors C) neurons D) representations Ans: A Level : E Page: 4 Topic: The Perceptual Process 8. In baseball, most hitters can detect the initial rotation of a pitched ball. E xperienced hitters are able to use this information to accurately anticipate a ball ’ s position when it reaches the plate. This shows that experienced hitters can utilize : A) bottom - up information. B) top - down information. C) distal stimuli. D) transduction. Ans: B Level : D Page: 5 Topic : The Perceptual Process

  9. Page 9
    Read page 9 as text

    9. A person ’ s knowledge, expectations, and goals which can affect perception , are referred to as : A) bottom - up information . B) top - down information . C) the absolute threshold . D) proximal stimuli . Ans: B Level : E Page: 5 Topic : The Perceptual Process 10. C ognitive neuroscien ce measures neural activity : A) only at the level of individual neurons . B) only in neural circuit s. C) both at the level of individual neurons and groups of neurons and neural circuit s . D) through simple behavioral responses . Ans: C Level : M Page: 5 Topic : Three Main Types of Questions 11. P sychophysic s assesses perceptual experience on the basis of : A) neural activity at the level of individual neuron s . B) transduction . C) depolarization . D) simple behavioral responses. Ans: D Level : M Page: 5 Topic : Three Main Types of Questions 12. B ody senses do NOT include: A) skin temperature . B) gustation .

  10. Page 10
    Read page 10 as text

    C) balance . D) body movement. Ans: B Level : E Page: 5 Topic : How Many Senses Are There? 13. Our sense of limb position and movement is due to _____. A) proprioception B) nociception C) olfaction D) gustation Ans: A Level : E Page: 6 Topic : How Many Senses Are There? 14. Which type of perception is NOT one of the traditional five senses? A) tactile B) audition C) olfaction D) proprioception Ans: D Level : M Page s : 5 - 6 Topic : How Many Senses Are There? 15. Which statement does NOT describe an idea contained in the modern theory of evolution? A) Organisms with adaptive new traits are more likely to survive and reproduce than organisms lacking these traits. B) Occasionally, a mutation that yields an adaptive new trait could be passed on to the offspring through DNA. C) Organisms have genotypes that are observable characteristics or traits. D) Like all other traits, senses have evolved through natural selection.

  11. Page 11
    Read page 11 as text

    Ans: C Level : M Page: 7 Topic : Evolution and P erception 16. Wavelengths of light visible by humans : A) do not detect infrared or ultraviolet light. B) are the least abundant wavelengths of light emitted by the sun. C) are poorly transmitted in seawater . D) does not consist of electromagnetic radiation . Ans: A Level : M Page: 7 Topic : Evolution and P erception 17. The minimum intensity of a physical stimulus that can just be detected by an observer is called the _____. A) absolute threshold B) difference threshold C) minimum threshold D) approximate threshold Ans: A Level : E Page: 9 Topic : Absolute Threshold 18. Dr. Atherton, a psychologist wants a very quick and easy way to estimate absolute threshold s for a study. Which psychophysical method would be MOST appropriate for him? A) the method of constant stimuli B) the method of adjustment C) the method of random stimuli D) the method of psychometric function Ans: B

  12. Page 12
    Read page 12 as text

    Level : D Page: 9 Topic : Absolute Threshold 19. A psychophysical researcher wants to measure the absolute threshold of a particular fragrance. He wants quick results and can compromise on its accuracy . In this scenario, he would use the _____. A) method of adjustment B) method of constant stimuli C) method of limits D) Lamaze method Ans: A Level : M Page: 9 Topic : Absolute Threshold 20. Dr. Lazarte is testing an elderly patient ’ s hearing by presenting a set of tones at different intensities. Each tone is presented multiple times, interleaved with the other tones in a random order. After each presentation, the patient indicates whether she heard the tone. The psychophysical technique being used in this scenario is the: A) method of adjustment. B) staircase method. C) method of constant stimuli. D) method of random stimuli. Ans: C Level : D Page: 9 Topic : Absolute Threshold 21. A curve that relates a measure of perceptual experience to the intensity of a physical stimulus is called a(n) : A) audibility curve B) neuropsychological function. C) psychometric function. D) receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

  13. Page 13
    Read page 13 as text

    Ans: C Level : E Page: 10 Topic : Absolute Threshold 22. The staircase method is a variation on the method of: A) limits. B) adjustment. C) constant stimuli. D) minimal perception. Ans: C Level : E Page: 10 Topic : Absolute Threshold 23. An example of an absolute threshold judgment would be: A) an individual detecting that the room is brighter when two extra candles are lit . B) an individual perceiving the light touch of an ant crawling across his or her foot . C) an individual perceiving that his/her backpack is heavier when another book is added . D) an individual turning up the radio so that he or she can hear the music over other noises. Ans: B Level : M Page: 9 Topic : Absolute Threshold 24. _____ states the relationship between the intensity of a standard stimulus and the size of the just noticeable differenc e . A) Weber ’ s law B) Sherrington’s law C) Fechner ’ s law D) Stevens ’ s law Ans: A Level : E

  14. Page 14
    Read page 14 as text

    Page: 14 Topic : Difference Threshold

  15. Page 15
    Read page 15 as text

    25. The JND for a 100 g weight is 2 g. According to Weber ’ s law, the JND for a 1,000 g weight would be: A) 0.002g . B) 2 g. C) 20 g. D) 200 g . Ans: C Level : M Page: 14 Topic : Difference Threshold 26. Through some tasty culinary investigation, Chef Willie has found the difference threshold for the sweetness of sugar in a cake. For a cake with 100 mg of sugar, the difference threshold is 5 mg. According to Weber’s law, how much sugar would need to be added to a cake already containing 250 mg of sugar in order to make it taste just noticeably sweeter? A) 5 mg B) 10 mg C) 12.5 mg D) 20 mg Ans: C Level : D Page: 14 Topic : Difference Threshold 27 . Weber's Law does NOT account properly for the perception of some dimensions, such as _____. A) taste B) brightness C) loudness D) electric shock Ans: D Level : E

  16. Page 16
    Read page 16 as text

    Page: 16 Topic : Psychophysical Scaling 28 . According to the “ law of specific nerve energies , ” articulated by the German scientist Johannes Müller , the brain interprets certain incoming signals as visual information because of : A) light entering the eye. B) gentle pressure of a finger against the side of an eye . C) receptor neurons in the eye . D) electrical currents from retinal prosthetic devices . Ans: C Level : M Page: 17 Topic : Exploring Perception by Studying Neurons and the Brain 29 . The _____ states that the kinds of perceptions we have depend on which neurons are activated, not on what is activating those neurons . A) law of specific nerve energies B) law of absolute threshold C) law of neural doctrine D) law of perceptual processing Ans: A Level : E Page: 17 Topic : Exploring Perception by Studying Neurons and the Brain 30 . The _____ states that perception depends on the combined activity of many specialized neurons, each of which responds to specific aspects of a stimulus . A) neuron doctrine B) law of specific nerve energies C) principle of natural selection D) law of structural specificity Ans: A Level : E Page: 17

333 more pages in the full document

Unlock it once and it stays in your library, ready to chat with or turn into flashcards.

Unlock the full document

More Psychology study materials

See all

Study this document with CramX

Once it is in your library, every tool can work from it.