PSYC 100 Lecture Notes - Lecture 30: Cochlear Duct, Basilar Membrane, Bony Labyrinth

• School: Queen's University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 100
• Professor: Jill L Atkinson

Document Summary

Describe how the structure of our auditory system affects the way we interpret the world around us. Identify which physical characteristics of sound correspond to which psychological characteristics. The amplitude of a sound wave determines intensity. Frequency is the number of cycles between high and low pressure in one second (hz). Frequency is determined by wavelength (the distance sound travels in one cycle). The longer the period (cycle the wave goes through), the longer the wavelength and the lower the frequency. Frequency pitch in sound; colour in sight. Amplitude loudness in sound; brightness in sight. Measured in decibals which are a logarithmic scale. Spectrum timbre in sound; colour and saturation in sight. Timbre determined by the time sound takes to build and decay and the amplitude components of frequency: describe the auditory system from ear to cortex. Sound waves are funneled by the pinnae into the external auditory meatus to the tympanic membrane where they cause vibrations.