AP PSYCHOLOGY JOURNAL
3rd Six Weeks
Sensation and Perception
Learning
AP Psychology
11/12/2014
• Journal entry: prosopagnosia.
• Turn In: Readings: One quiz grade
– Weightlessness and Perception
– Perfect Pitch
• Notes re Sensation
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–
–
–
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Bottom-up v top-down processing
Psychophysics
Signal detection
Thresholds
Subliminal processing
• EXAM DAY 12/3
Journal Entry 11/12
• prosopagnosia
p. 229
Watch the short clip.
What is prosopagnosia?
Write a paragraph about
your reaction to learning
about the condition this
woman has.
prosopagnosia
4
Introduction to Sensation and
Perception
I. Sensation is the process by which we receive
information from the environment.
II. Perception is the process of selecting and
identifying information from the
environment.
III. Psychophysics is the study of the
mathematical or functional relationship
between physical energy and the
psychological experience.
Introduction to Sensation and
Perception
A. Stimulus: a detectable input from the
environment
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Light- vision
Sound- hearing
Chemicals- taste and smell
Pressure, temperature, pain –sense of touch
Orientation, balance- kinesthetic senses.
Introduction to Sensation and
Perception
B. Environmental information (stimuli)
1. A physical stimulus must first be introduced.
For example: air vibrations, gases, chemicals,
tactile pressures.
2. Our senses respond to a limited range of
environmental stimuli. For example, we
cannot hear sound of frequencies above
20,000 Hz, even though dogs can hear them.
Can you hear this?
Introduction to Sensation and
Perception
C. Physical stimuli
1. Light as experienced
through vision
a. Visible light is part of
the electromagnetic
spectrum.
b. Properties of light
a.
b.
c.
Intensity (brightness)
Wavelength (hue)
Complexity or purity
(saturation)
Introduction to Sensation and
Perception
2. Sound as experienced through audition.
Properties of sound
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
Intensity (mainly loudness)
Frequency (mainly pitch)
Wave form (mainly timbre)
There is not a one-to-one relationship between
physical properties and perceptual experience. For
example, intensity can also influence perception of
pitch.
Perceptual audio demonstrations
Introduction to Sensation and
Perception
D. Sensory processes are the initial steps to perception.
1. Transduction is the process of converting energy of a
stimulus into neural activity. The stimulus is recoded
as a neural pattern.
2. Transduction can be affected by our experiences, such
as through adaptation.
i.
A constant level of stimulus results in a decreased
response over time.
ii. With continued exposure the neural response may
change.
iii. Adaptation is also, perceptual, not just sensory.
Introduction to Sensation and
Perception
II. Perception is the process of selecting and identifying
information from the environment.
A. The interpretation of information from the
environment so that we can identify its meaning.
B. Perception involves determination of what a stimulus
is.
C. Expectations and perception: We make predictions
from our knowledge of the world.
A. Bottom-up processes begin at the receptor level.
B. Top-down processes use knowledge we already possess
and allows us to form expectations.
Bottom-up Processing
Analysis of the stimulus begins with the sense
receptors and works up to the level of the brain
and mind.
Letter “A” is really a black blotch broken down into
features by the brain that we perceive as an “A.”
12
Top-Down Processing
Information processing guided by higher-level
mental processes as we construct perceptions,
drawing on our experience and expectations.
THE CHT
13
Making Sense of Complexity
Our sensory and perceptual processes work
together to help us sort out complex images.
“The Forest Has Eyes,” Bev Doolittle
14
Introduction to Sensation and
Perception
III. Psychophysics
1. Absolute threshold
The point at which a stimulus can
be detected 50% of the time.
2. Difference threshold.
Also called JND (Just noticeable
difference)
The minimal change in
stimulation that can be reliably
predicted 50% of the time.
3. Weber’s Law: it is harder to
detect a change in a really strong
stimulus.
Absolute threshold
Introduction to Sensation and
Perception
Psychophysics
B. Signal detection theory
How individuals are able
to detect a minimum
stimulus (signal) among
other background stimuli.
May affect how
•
individuals make
•
decisions.
•
Examples:
Parents of newborn
Patrolling in Iraq
Monitoring patients in ICU
• Airport scanner
Introduction to Sensation and
Perception
Psychophysics
C. Subliminal stimulation claims make two assumptions
1. We can unconsciously sense stimuli below the
threshold
2. These stimuli have suggestive powers.
3. Do they work? Under certain conditions, yes.
a.
An invisible image may prime your response to a
later question. Example: kittens
b.
Researchers say priming is a subtle, fleeting effect.
Double-blind procedures show subliminal self-help
tapes show no therapeutic effect.
Introduction to Sensation and
Perception
Psychophysics
D. Receptor sensitivity is subject to change.
1. Sensory Adaptation: a decline in receptor
activity when stimuli are unchanging.
a. Helps us focus on informative changes.
b. Alert to novelty
2. Habituation or adaptation: a decline in
response due to the repeated presentation of
the stimulus; this happens at the neural level.
We perceive the world not exactly as it is, but as it is useful to us to perceive it.
Sensory Adaptation
Diminished sensitivity as a consequence of
constant stimulation.
Put a band aid on your arm and after awhile
you don’t sense it.
20
• brad wray
• mosquito teen repeller
Signal detection theory
AP Psychology Lessons 11/17/2014
• Continue Notes: S & P (12 of 61 vocabulary terms)
• Journal prompt: Elementary concepts in vision
The Brain
• Vision: Diagram Eye and notes
• NOTICE: at the beginning of next class! 10 question
quiz on vision (Pages 236-245). Take notes.
Chapter 6 EXAM WILL BE ON WED. 12/3/2014
• Vocabulary (from Vision transduction P. 236to ESP parapsychology p. 282) is due on
12/3/2014.
• Notes Journal due 12/3/2014
Journal Prompt 11/17
Learning Goal:
Describe the visual sensory system.
Watch the video “Visual
Information Processing:
Elementary Concepts”.
Prompt: Write in complete
sentences.
What does Hubel and
Wiesel’s experiment with
the cat tell us about feature
detectors?
P. 241.
AP Psychology Lessons 11/19
• Journal Prompt: Hearing
• Vision quiz
• Take notes on pain
Journal Prompt 11/19/2014
LO: Describe the auditory
sensory system.
p. 247-248
• What is the importance
of the hair cells in the
cochlea?
• How can we be kind to
our hair cells?
• What signal will we get
if the hair cells are
unhappy?
Sensation and Perception
Biopsychosocial approach to pain p. 255
* Copy the diagram on page 257.
How could an understanding of each of these
factors help alleviate pain? Create a chart.
1) Gate control theory (Melzack and Wall)
2) Endorphins (Cox)
3) Memories of pain (Kahneman)
4) Cultural expectations (Symbaluk)
5) Placebos (Kaptchuk)
6) Virtual reality games (258)
Gate-Control Theory
Melzack and Wall (1965, 1983) proposed that our
spinal cord contains neurological “gates” that
either block pain or allow it to be sensed.
Gary Comer/ PhototakeUSA.com
27
AP Psychology Lesson 11/24
• Journal Prompt: Sense of Smell
• Sensation and Perception chart
• Next class: In-class Notes Quiz on p. 265-281
Perception READ
• Test on all Chapter 6 is Wednesday 12/3
• Stroop effect
Journal prompt 11/24
Students learn:
• The capabilities and limitations of the
sensory process. 2.4 Describe other
sensory systems, such as olfaction,
gustation, and somesthesis (e.g. skin
senses, kinesthesis, and vestibular
senses).
p. 260
How does our system
for sensing smell differ
from our sensory
systems for vision,
touch and taste?
Taste preferences
Animals tend to be
neophobic . With taste
preferences, this serves an
evolutionary purpose.
An animal will typically try
only a small bit of a new
food to see if it makes
them sick.
Today’s Lesson 12/1
•
•
•
•
Quiz on Chapter 6 Perception pages 263-279
Journal Prompt Human Factors
EXAM next class 50 multiple choice questions
Alternative assignments: next class
Journal Prompt 12/1/2014
• P. 281-282
• What is the most
powerful tool in
studying human
factors issues?
• List five ways in
which human
factors
psychologists work
at designing safe and
efficient
environments.
Synesthesia and “Seeing Life in Colors” synesthesia
•
Perceptual sets of “looters” or those looking for “supplies”
http://www.snopes.com/photos/katrina/looters.asp
Ames Room (from Zimbardo) Ames room
•
Optical Illusion Collection
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtsfidRq2tw&feature=related
•
Visual Cliff (Gibson and Walk)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VPaBcT1KdY
•
60-odd optical illusions, bad music, though http://youtu.be/2HKIplgzi54
•
Spinning Dancer, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Spinning_Dancer
Today’s Lesson 12/3
• Review
• Exam
• Chapter 7 Packet due Monday 12/8
Today’s Lesson 12/5/2014
• No Journal prompt
• Work on Chapter 7 Packet
• Go to library to do Psych Sim activities
Lesson December 8, 2014
• Journal prompt: Biological predispositions and classical
conditioning.
– Practice in classical conditioning
– Taste aversion
• Turn in Chapter 7 packet.
• Discovering psychology video
• Homework PSYCH SIM for journal. Journal is due at the
final.
– Classical Conditioning
– Operant Conditioning
– Maze Learning
Journal prompt December 8, 2014
• Content Standard 1:
Classical conditioning
• 1.1 Describe the
principles of classical
conditioning
• 1.2 Describe clinical and
experimental examples of
classical conditioning
• 1.3 Apply classical
conditioning to everyday
life.
p. 299-301
Biological predispositions
Prompt:
Why do behavior learning
theorists consider classically
conditioned behaviors to be
biologically adaptive?
Give an example of research
from the text.
AP Psychology Lessons 12/10
• Two Journal Prompts:
– Operant Conditioning
– Observational Learning
• Consequence Matrix
• Punishment
Consequence Matrix
Journal Prompt 12/10
Operant
conditioning
• 2.1 Describe
the Law of
Effect
• 2.2 Describe
the principles
of operant
conditioning
• 2.3 Describe
clinical and
experimental
examples of
operant
conditioning
• 2.4 Apply
operant
conditioning to
everyday life
P. 310
Unlike a reinforcer, a punisher
decreases the frequency of a
preceding behavior.
According to Darley and Ater,
punishment must be both swift
and sure.
a. Why are harsh
punishments not effective
in reducing the drunk
driving rate?
b. What can parents of
delinquent youths due to
achieve desirable
behaviors in their
children?
2012 Drunk Driving Statistics: Texas
Source: MADD
• Drunk driving fatalities (.08 BAC or higher): 1,296
representing 38% of all total traffic deaths, a 7%
increase from last year.
• Alcohol related crash injuries (.01 BAC or higher):
16882
• Alcohol related crashes (.01 BAC or higher): 25671
• DUI arrests: 89,256
• DUI convictions: Not Available
• DUI refusals: Not Available
• Taxpayer subsidy of drunk driving fatalities: $6 billion
Negative reinforcement:
A. Identify the aversive stimulus.
B. What behavior is strengthened by
its removal?
1. Taking aspirin to relieve a headache.
2. Hurrying home in the winter to get out of the cold.
3. Giving in to an argument or to a dog’s begging.
4. Fanning oneself to escape the heat.
5. Leaving a movie theater if the movie is bad.
6. Smoking in order to relieve anxiety.
7. Following prison rules in order to be released from
confinement.
8. Feigning a stomachache in order to avoid school.
9. Putting on a car safety belt to stop an irritating buzz.
10. Turning down the volume of a very loud radio.
11. Putting up an umbrella to escape the rain.
12. Saying “uncle” to stop being beaten.
Journal Prompt #2 : 12/10
• 3.1 Describe the
principles of
observational and
cognitive learning
• 3.2 Apply observational
and cognitive learning
to everyday life
• Prompt:
Who has been a
significant role model for
you?
For whom are you a
model?