Short Answer Questions

Seite 1

1. pathway to the cortex: R.O.O.O.T.O.P

the pathway to the visual cortex begins with the image being projected onto the RETINA. Information leaves the eye via the OPTIC NERVE. the OPTIC CHIASM is where information decussate (crosses) and information from the left visual field goes to the right half of the brain and information from the right visual field goes to the left hemi. after the chiasm is the OPTIC TRACT which leads to the LATERAL GENICULATE NUCLEUS in the thalamus where complex analysis takes place of visual information being received. from here information is spread throughout white matter in the brain known as optic radiation which ultimately leads to the PRIMARY VISUAL CORTEX

2. define SIGNAL DETECTION THEORY

signal detection theory describes predictions regarding how and when we can detect a faint stimulus (signal) amongst background noise

main concept:

CRITERION: amount of energy needed for a "yes" response

Stimulus present

"YES" = hit

"NO" = miss

Stimulus not present

"YES" = false alarm

"NO" = correct rejection

REAL LIFE EXAMPLE:

Babysitting

Baby crying

"Check on the baby" = hit

"Do not check on baby (when crying) = miss

Baby not crying

"Check on baby" = false alarm

"Do not check on baby" = correct rejection

3. Contrast sensation and perception

Sensation comes from a physical stimulus and that stimuli's physical properties is registered by sensory organs. Perception comes from those organs decoding the incoming information and transforms it into neutral impulses/ signals. perception always follows sensation and allows for us to "make sense" out of sensation. Sensation + interpretation = perception

practice short answer