PS101 Chapter Notes -Sensory System, Olfactory Receptor, Feces
Document Summary
Frequency theory: in the 19th century, proposed that perception of pitch corresponds to the rate, or frequency, at which the entire basilar membrane vibrates. This theory views the basilar membrane as more like a drumhead than a harp. The whole membrane vibrates in unison in response to sounds. The actual pattern of vibration (georg von bekesy) is a travelling wave that moves along the basilar membrane. Current thinking is that pitch perception depends both on place and frequency coding of vibrations along the basilar membrane (p 174). Auditory localization involves locating the source of a sound in space. People pinpoint where sounds have come from by comparing inter-ear differences in the intensity and timing of sounds. Tue cues are particularly important: the intensity (loudness) and the timing of sounds arriving at each ear. Shadow , or partial sound barrier, cast by the head itself. People can detect timing differences as small as 1/100 000 of a second.
