PSYC1101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Visual Cortex, Vestibular System, Absolute Threshold
Document Summary
Weber"s law states that the jnd is proportional to the intensity of the original stimulus and is constant within a given sense modality. Sensory systems are particularly responsive to changes in stimulation, and adaption occurs in response to unchanging stimuli. Light-sensitive visual receptor cells are located in the retina. The rods are brightness receptors and the less numerous cones are colour receptors. Light energy striking the retina is converted into nerve impulses by chemical reactions in the photopigments of the rods and cones. Sound waves, the stimuli for audition, have two characteristics: frequency, measured in terms of cycles per second, or hertz (hz); and amplitude, measured in terms of decibels (db). Frequency is related to pitch, amplitude to loudness. Loudness is coded in terms of the number and types of auditory nerve fibres that fire. Taste and smell: the chemical senses: the receptors for taste and smell respond to chemical molecules.
