Download Unit V – Sensation and Perception – Objectives

AP Psychology
Unit Outline #5
Fall Semester 2014
Bacile
Unit V: Sensation & Perception
Corresponding Modules: 16-21
Topic: Sensation & Perception (6-8%)
UNIT V OUTLINE: Sensation & Perception
OVERVIEW
Sensation refers to the process by which we detect physical energy from the environment and encode it as neural signals. This unit
describes the senses of vision, hearing, taste, touch, smell, kinesthesis and the vestibular sense. It also presents research findings from
studies regarding sensory restriction and subliminal stimulation.
There are many terms and several theories that you must understand in this unit. Many of the terms are related to the structure of the eye,
ear, and other sensory receptors. Labeling diagrams and rehearsing the material will help you memorize these structures and their
functions. The theories discussed include the Signal-Detection Theory, the Young-Helmholtz Theory and the Opponent-Process Theory of
color vision, as well as the Frequency and Place Theories of pitch. As you study these theories, concentrate on understanding the strengths
and weaknesses (if any) of each.
The Perception unit explores how we select, organize and interpret our sensations into meaningful perceptions. The unit introduces a wide
range of terminology, especially in the Perceptual Organization section. Each of the following sections deals with an important issue
regarding perception. The first issue is the role of experience, as opposed to heredity, in perception. Make sure you understand the results of
studies of recovery from blindness, early sensory restriction, adoption to distorted environments, and perceptual set. The second is the
possible existence of ESP, or perception without sensation. You should be able to discuss both the claims made for ESP and the criticisms of
these claims.
OBJECTIVES
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Contrast the processes of sensation and perception
Distinguish between thresholds (absolute, difference, Weber’s law)
Label a diagram of the parts of the eye and the ear
Describe the operation of the sensory system (the five senses)
Differentiate the Young-Helmholtz and opponent-process theories of color vision
Explain the place and frequency theories of pitch
Describe Gestalt principles, figure-ground and depth perception
Discuss monocular and binocular cues
VOCABULARY
Note: It is EXTREMELY important that you know and understand ALL relevant vocabulary prior to the end of each unit. It is highly
recommended that you use some method of “vocabulary learning.” Please note that there will be frequent vocabulary quizzes, as your
success on the AP Psychology Exam is dependent on your knowledge of psychological terminology.
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Sensation
Perception
Bottom-Up Processing
Ton-Down Processing
Psychophysics
Absolute threshold
Signal detection theory
Subliminal
Priming
Difference threshold
Weber’s Law
Sensory adaptation
Transduction
Wavelength
Hue
Intensity
Pupil
Iris
Lens
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Accommodation
Retina
Acuity
Nearsightedness
Farsightedness
Rods
Cones
Optic nerve
Blind spot
Fovea
Feature detectors
Parallel processing
Young-Helmholtz trichromatic theory
Opponent-Process theory
Color constancy
Audition
Frequency
Pitch
Middle ear
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Cochlea
Inner ear
Place theory
Frequency theory
Conduction hearing loss
Sensorineural hearing loss
Cochlear implant
Gate-Control theory
Sensory interaction
Kinesthesis
Vestibular sense
Selective attention
Inattentional blindness
Visual capture
Gestalt
Figure-ground
Grouping
Depth perception
Visual cliff
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Binocular cues
Retinal display
Convergence
Monocular cues
IMPORTANT FIGURES
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Gustav Fechner
Hermann von Helmholtz
Ernst Weber
Thomas Young
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Phi phenomenon
Perceptual constancy
Perceptual adaptation
Perceptual set
266. Human factors psychology
267. Extrasensory perception (ESP)
268. Parapsychology