Sensation and Perception: A Comprehensive Guide for Psychology Students

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a type of general sensory receptor?

Accepted Answer

Olfactory receptors

Answer

Mechanoreceptors

Answer

Thermoreceptors

Answer

Nociceptors

Question 2

What is the main role of photoreceptors in the eye?

Accepted Answer

Convert light into electrical signals

Answer

Focus light on the retina

Answer

Interpret visual information

Answer

Control the amount of light entering the eye

Question 3

Which of the following is not a recognized type of sensory receptor?

Accepted Answer

Emotionoreceptors

Answer

Mechanoreceptors

Answer

Photoreceptors

Answer

Olfactory receptors

Question 4

According to the Young-Helmholtz trichromatic theory, which color is NOT considered a primary color?

Accepted Answer

Yellow

Answer

Red

Answer

Green

Answer

Blue

Question 5

Define sensory adaptation and describe its underlying physiological process.

Accepted Answer

Sensory adaptation is the gradual reduction in the response of sensory receptors to a constant stimulus over time.

Answer

Sensory adaptation is the enhancement of sensory receptor sensitivity with repeated exposure to a stimulus.

Answer

Sensory adaptation is the conversion of sensory information into electrical signals within the brain.

Answer

Sensory adaptation is the ability of sensory systems to detect minute changes in the environment.

Question 6

Which process involves the brain focusing on certain sensory information based on a person's goals and interests?

Accepted Answer

Top-down processing

Answer

Sensory adaptation

Answer

Psychophysics

Answer

Perceptual illusions

Question 7

Which part of the human body is responsible for processing light and enabling us to see?

Accepted Answer

Eye

Answer

Cochlea

Answer

Tongue

Answer

Skin

Question 8

Which process describes the sensory system's decreased sensitivity to repeated stimuli?

Accepted Answer

Habituation

Answer

Sensitization

Answer

Adaptation

Answer

Accommodation

Question 9

Based on the opponent-process theory of color vision, how is color information represented in the visual cortex?

Accepted Answer

As opponent pairs of cells that respond to opposing colors (e.g., red-green, blue-yellow).

Answer

As a combination of signals from three types of cone cells in the retina.

Answer

As a graded response to the intensity of light stimulation on the retina.

Answer

Through the activation of ganglion cells in the retina that code for specific colors.

Question 10

In psychophysics, which principle describes the relationship between stimulus intensity and perceived sensation?

Accepted Answer

Fechner's Law: Perceived sensation intensity increases logarithmically with stimulus intensity.

Answer

Detection thresholds vary significantly between individuals.

Answer

Sensory adaptation occurs at all stimulus intensities.

Answer

Perception is solely influenced by physical stimuli, not cognitive factors.

Question 11

Which type of cone cell in the retina is most sensitive to medium-wavelength light, allowing us to see green, according to the Young-Helmholtz theory?

Accepted Answer

M cones (medium-wavelength-sensitive)

Answer

S cones (short-wavelength-sensitive)

Answer

L cones (long-wavelength-sensitive)

Answer

Rod cells

Question 12

In the eye, which specialized cells are primarily responsible for detecting changes in light intensity?

Accepted Answer

Rods and cones

Answer

Cornea

Answer

Iris

Answer

Retina

Question 13

According to the trichromatic theory of color vision, how many types of cone cells are found in the retina?

Accepted Answer

3

Answer

1

Answer

2

Answer

4

Question 14

Which of the following best describes sensory adaptation?

Accepted Answer

Sensory receptors become less responsive to a constant stimulus over time.

Answer

Sensory receptors become more sensitive to a stimulus over time.

Answer

The brain interprets sensory information based on past experiences.

Answer

The brain filters out irrelevant sensory information.

Question 15

Which sensory receptors are specifically designed to detect changes in temperature, allowing us to perceive warmth and cold?

Accepted Answer

Thermoreceptors

Answer

Photoreceptors

Answer

Mechanoreceptors

Answer

Chemoreceptors

Question 16

Which theory of color vision proposes that the eye contains three types of cone cells, each responding to a different range of light wavelengths?

Accepted Answer

Young-Helmholtz theory

Answer

Opponent-process theory

Answer

Duplicity theory

Answer

Sensory adaptation theory

Question 17

In the sensory processing pathway, what is the initial stage where sensory information is converted into neural signals?

Accepted Answer

Transduction

Answer

Adaptation

Answer

Perception

Answer

Sensation

Question 18

In biological psychology, which part of the eye is responsible for adjusting the focus of light onto the retina?

Accepted Answer

Lens

Answer

Retina

Answer

Iris

Answer

Cornea

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a sensory receptor that receives sensory information from the external environment?

Accepted Answer

Interoceptors

Answer

Mechanoreceptors

Answer

Photoreceptors

Answer

Chemoreceptors

Question 20

According to the opponent-process theory of color vision, what happens to the neural response to a color after prolonged exposure to that color?

Accepted Answer

Sensitivity to that color decreases

Answer

Sensitivity to that color increases

Answer

Sensitivity to that color remains unchanged

Question 21

Associate each sensory receptor category with its corresponding response modality: mechanoreceptors, thermoreceptors, photoreceptors, and chemoreceptors.

Accepted Answer

Mechanoreceptors: pressure, Thermoreceptors: temperature, Photoreceptors: light, Chemoreceptors: chemicals

Answer

Mechanoreceptors: temperature, Thermoreceptors: pressure, Photoreceptors: chemicals, Chemoreceptors: light

Answer

Mechanoreceptors: chemicals, Thermoreceptors: light, Photoreceptors: pressure, Chemoreceptors: temperature

Answer

Mechanoreceptors: light, Thermoreceptors: chemicals, Photoreceptors: temperature, Chemoreceptors: pressure

Question 22

Which sensory receptor type responds to mechanical stimuli and is located in the inner ear?

Accepted Answer

Hair cells

Answer

Rods and cones

Answer

Olfactory receptors

Answer

Taste buds

Question 23

Which part of the eye bends light to focus it precisely on the retina, enabling clear vision?

Accepted Answer

Cornea

Answer

Pupil

Answer

Iris

Question 24

Within the visual pathway, what is the primary function of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of the thalamus?

Accepted Answer

Relaying visual information from the retina to the visual cortex

Answer

Filtering visual data from the retina before sending it to the visual cortex

Answer

Combining visual information from both eyes to create a single visual field

Answer

Interpreting visual information and assigning meaning to it

Question 25

In psychophysics, which of the following best defines an absolute threshold?

Accepted Answer

The lowest level of a stimulus that can be detected.

Answer

The range of intensities that can be distinguished.

Answer

The point where a stimulus can no longer be perceived.

Answer

The time taken to react to a stimulus.

Question 26

Sensory adaptation involves our senses adjusting to constant stimuli over time. Which of the following best describes its primary characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Decreased sensitivity to a continuous stimulus

Answer

Perception of stimuli below the absolute threshold

Answer

Exclusivity to the visual system

Answer

Permanent changes in sensory processing

Question 27

As per Stevens' power law, how does sensory magnitude relate to the physical intensity of a stimulus?

Accepted Answer

Sensory magnitude is proportional to a power of physical intensity.

Answer

Sensory magnitude is directly proportional to physical intensity.

Answer

Sensory magnitude is inversely proportional to physical intensity.

Answer

Sensory magnitude is proportional to the logarithm of physical intensity.

Question 28

In psychophysics, the just noticeable difference (JND) is defined as the:

Accepted Answer

Minimum detectable change in a stimulus

Answer

Maximum tolerable stimulus intensity

Answer

Time gap for separate stimulus perception

Answer

Maximum difference for distinct stimulus perception

Question 29

Describe the physiological changes that occur in the retina during dark adaptation and explain how these changes enhance our ability to see in low-light conditions.

Accepted Answer

Rhodopsin regeneration in rods increases sensitivity, while cone sensitivity remains unchanged.

Answer

The number of photoreceptor cells increases, leading to improved sensitivity.

Answer

Pupil constriction reduces light entry, decreasing sensitivity.

Answer

The brain compensates for low light by increasing the gain of visual signals.

Question 30

In the context of color perception theories, what does the term **hue** refer to?

Accepted Answer

The subjective experience of perceiving distinct colors, such as red, green, blue, and yellow.

Answer

The perceived intensity or brightness of a color.

Answer

The physical wavelength of light that corresponds to a specific color.

Question 31

Which of the following accurately describes the layered structure of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye?

Accepted Answer

The retina consists of multiple layers, with photoreceptor cells located closest to the choroid.

Answer

The retina is a single-layered structure composed entirely of photoreceptor cells.

Answer

Rods and cones are found in the outermost layer of the retina, facing away from incoming light.

Question 32

What cognitive process allows our brains to make sense of sensory information, creating our experiences of the world?

Accepted Answer

Perception

Answer

Transduction

Answer

Sensation

Question 33

Individuals with red-green colorblindness, also known as deuteranopia, have difficulty distinguishing between which pair of colors?

Accepted Answer

Red and green

Answer

Blue and yellow

Answer

Green and yellow

Answer

Black and white

Question 34

Which physiological mechanism underlies sensory adaptation, where sensory receptors adjust their responses to continuous stimuli?

Accepted Answer

Reduced receptor sensitivity

Answer

Increased neurotransmitter release

Answer

Increased lateral inhibition

Question 35

How do sensory receptors transform physical stimuli into neural impulses?

Accepted Answer

Transduction

Answer

Adaptation

Answer

Perception

Answer

Cognition

Question 36

Which of the following scenarios demonstrates top-down processing in visual perception?

Accepted Answer

Identifying an apple as edible based on its shape and color

Answer

Noticing a flickering light due to increased intensity

Answer

Recognizing a melody as harmonious due to its structure

Answer

Experiencing a rose's scent as pleasant or unpleasant

Question 37

Which visual cue does NOT affect the perceived size of an object?

Accepted Answer

Color and contrast

Answer

Distance from the observer

Answer

Size relative to other objects

Question 38

The human eye measures approximately how long? Additionally, what is the average diameter of a photoreceptor cell in the retina?

Accepted Answer

Eye length: 2.5 cm; Photoreceptor size: 10-20 micrometers

Answer

Eye length: 10 cm; Photoreceptor size: 100 micrometers

Answer

Eye length: 1.0 cm; Photoreceptor size: 1 micrometer

Answer

Eye length: 5.0 cm; Photoreceptor size: 20-50 micrometers

Question 39

Which of the following accurately describes the distinct functions of rods and cones in the retina?

Accepted Answer

Rods excel in low-light conditions, while cones facilitate color vision.

Answer

Cones exhibit greater sensitivity to light than rods, and both contribute equally to color vision.

Answer

Rods facilitate color vision, while cones are more sensitive to low light levels.

Answer

Both rods and cones possess equal sensitivity to light and contribute equally to color perception.

Question 40

Which of the following best describes the primary visual cortex's role in processing visual information?

Accepted Answer

Detecting edges and orientations in visual stimuli

Answer

Perceiving colors

Answer

Recognizing objects

Question 41

Which unit represents the smallest discernible unit of light by the human eye?

Accepted Answer

Photon

Answer

Wavelength

Answer

Luminance

Answer

Chromaticity

Question 42

Which component of the eye converts light into electrical signals?

Accepted Answer

Retina

Answer

Cornea

Answer

Pupil

Answer

Iris

Question 43

According to the theory of signal detection, perception of a stimulus is influenced by:

Accepted Answer

Both sensory threshold and response bias

Answer

Sensory threshold alone

Answer

Response bias alone

Answer

Neither sensory threshold nor response bias

Question 44

Which of the following senses is primarily not mediated by the trigeminal nerve?

Accepted Answer

Smell

Answer

Touch

Answer

Pain

Answer

Temperature

Question 45

Which brain region is responsible for processing visual information?

Accepted Answer

Occipital lobe

Answer

Hippocampus

Answer

Amygdala

Answer

Parietal lobe

Question 46

The ability to distinguish between different sound frequencies is termed:

Accepted Answer

Pitch discrimination

Answer

Loudness

Answer

Timbre

Answer

Sound intensity

Question 47

The idea that the brain actively constructs a representation of the sensory world is a tenet of which theory?

Accepted Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Gestalt theory

Answer

Empiricism

Answer

Nativism

Question 48

Which of the following is NOT a primary sensory modality?

Accepted Answer

Cognition

Answer

Vision

Answer

Sound

Answer

Thermoception

Question 49

The process of transforming physical stimuli into neural signals is called:

Accepted Answer

Transduction

Answer

Perception

Answer

Adaptation

Answer

Accommodation

Question 50

According to signal detection theory, perception is determined by:

Accepted Answer

Both sensory thresholds and decision criteria

Answer

Sensory thresholds alone

Answer

Decision criteria alone

Answer

Neither sensory thresholds nor decision criteria

Question 51

The Gestalt principle of similarity suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Objects sharing similar characteristics are perceived as a group

Answer

Objects spatially close to each other are perceived as a group

Answer

Objects continuing a pattern are perceived as a group

Answer

Objects familiar to the observer are perceived as a group

Question 52

Which brain region plays a crucial role in facial recognition?

Accepted Answer

Fusiform face area

Answer

Amygdala

Answer

Occipital lobe

Answer

Hippocampus

Question 53

The phenomenon of blindsight demonstrates that:

Accepted Answer

Visual information can reach the brain without conscious awareness

Answer

Vision is always accompanied by consciousness

Answer

The occipital lobe is not crucial for visual perception

Answer

Blindness is always irreversible

Question 54

The optimal stimulation level theory states that:

Accepted Answer

Individuals prefer stimuli with moderate intensity

Answer

Individuals prefer highly intense or extremely weak stimuli

Answer

Individuals prefer novel and unpredictable stimuli

Answer

Individuals prefer familiar and predictable stimuli

Question 55

A potential explanation for phantom limb pain is:

Accepted Answer

Continued activity in the somatosensory cortex after limb amputation

Answer

Pain signals from the spinal cord

Answer

Irreversible nerve damage during amputation

Answer

Phantom limb pain only results from psychological factors

Question 56

Which type of pain receptor is responsible for detecting sharp, intense pain?

Accepted Answer

Nociceptors

Answer

Mechanoreceptors

Answer

Thermoreceptors

Question 57

What is the primary function of sensory transduction in sensory processing?

Accepted Answer

Converts physical stimuli into neural signals for the nervous system to interpret.

Answer

Amplifies sensory stimuli, making them more intense.

Answer

Enhances the precision and accuracy of sensory perception.

Question 58

Define synesthesia and describe its effects on sensory perception.

Accepted Answer

Synesthesia is a neurological condition where stimulation of one sense automatically triggers an experience in a different sense.

Answer

Synesthesia is a childhood condition that impairs sensory perception.

Answer

Synesthesia only involves the blending of auditory and visual sensations.

Answer

Individuals with synesthesia have superior sensory abilities than those without the condition.

Question 59

Within the auditory system, what is the cochlea's primary function?

Accepted Answer

Convert sound waves into neural signals

Answer

Transmit sound waves to the middle ear

Answer

Protect the inner ear from potential harm

Answer

Amplify sound waves before they reach the eardrum

Question 60

How does attention impact our perception of sensory information?

Accepted Answer

Attention selectively enhances relevant stimuli while suppressing irrelevant ones.

Answer

Attention has no effect on sensory perception.

Answer

Attention only affects perception in the visual sense.

Answer

Attention can only amplify perception, not diminish it.

Question 61

How does attention affect our perception of sensory information?

Accepted Answer

It helps us select and concentrate on particular sensory stimuli.

Answer

It amplifies the intensity of unimportant stimuli.

Answer

It alters sensory information before it reaches the brain.

Answer

It completely blocks out all sensory information except for the most intense stimulus.

Question 62

Signal detection theory states that detecting a stimulus depends on both its strength and the amount of background noise. Which of these factors plays a role in our ability to detect a stimulus?

Accepted Answer

Both the stimulus's strength and the level of background noise

Answer

Only the stimulus's strength

Answer

Only the level of background noise

Answer

Neither the stimulus's strength nor the level of background noise

Question 63

How can virtual reality (VR) technology be used to study and modify sensory perception?

Accepted Answer

By creating different environments and controlling sensory cues

Answer

By directly stimulating sensory neurons

Answer

By changing the brain's direct perception of sensory information

Answer

By increasing the sensitivity of sensory receptors

Question 64

Define Weber's law and explain how it relates to the just noticeable difference (JND) in stimulus intensity.

Accepted Answer

Weber's law states that the JND is a constant proportion of the original stimulus intensity.

Answer

Weber's law states that the JND is inversely proportional to the original stimulus intensity.

Answer

Weber's law states that the JND is independent of the original stimulus intensity.

Answer

Weber's law states that the JND is a random value.