Download AUDITORY SENSATION

Name_______________________________Date________Per._____
AP Psych Unit 3: AUDITORY SENSATION
Learning Goal  Describe the structures and functions of the parts of the ear and explain the
theories of hearing.
Go to http://bcs.worthpublishers.com/gray/content/psychsim5/launcher.html and click on “Auditory System.”
Structure of the Ear: The ear is broken down into three main sections: Outer, Middle, Inner. Specific parts
make up each of these sections. If you hold your mouse over the blue terms, the definition will appear.
OUTER EAR
Pinna 
Ear Canal (Auditory Canal) 
Ear Drum (Tympanic Membrane) 
MIDDLE EAR
Ossicles (Hammer, Anvil, Stirrup) 
INNER EAR
Cochlea 
Hair cells 
Basilar membrane 
Semicircular canals 
The Sound Wave
Define sound wave and draw a sound wave 
What are the three aspects of sound waves?
Frequency & Pitch
Define frequency. How is it measured and calculated?
What is pitch?
How is pitch related to frequency?
Amplitude
Define amplitude & draw a wave to visually explain amplitude.
What are decibels?
Waveform
What is meant by “waveform”?
What do complex tones represent?
What is timbre?
RECAP
The frequency of a sound wave determines the _______________________ of the sound we perceive.
The amplitude of a sound wave determines the _______________________ of the sound we perceive.
The waveform of a sound wave determines the _______________________ of the sound we perceive.
Hearing the Sound  Make sure you read this slide.
Transmitting the Sound
What happens inside the cochlea? Please make sure you include the concepts of basilar membrane, oval
window, and hair cells in your response.
How does pressure change influence the creation of neural impulses?
What is the auditory nerve?
Where in the brain is the hearing center?
__________________________________________________________________________
On my class website, click on the “Theories of hearing Reading” and define the following:
Place theory:
Frequency theory:
Volley principle:
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Go to http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/Conductive-Hearing-Loss/ to define the following.
Conductive hearing loss 
Sensorineural hearing loss 