Exam 1
B
23. An example of an absolute threshold judgment would be: A) an individual detecting that the room is brighter when two extra candles are lit. B) an individual perceiving the light touch of an ant crawling across his or her foot. C) an individual perceiving that his/her backpack is heavier when another book is added. D) an individual turning up the radio so that he or she can hear the music over other noises.
C
A curve that relates a measure of perceptual experience to the intensity of a physical stimulus is called a(n): A) audibility curve B) neuropsychological function. C) psychometric function. D) receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.
D
A disorder of the extraocular muscles in which the two eyes are not aligned with one another is called: A) presbyopia. B) astigmatism. C) myopia. D) strabismus.
C
A dorsal view of the cerebral hemispheres shows: A) only the parietal lobe. B) only the frontal and occipital lobes. C) the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes. D) only the brain stem.
A
A light source emitting a wavelength of approximately 700 nm would be perceived as: A) dark red. B) orange. C) yellow. D) green.
A
A membrane potential results from the concentration of: A) positively and negatively charged ions inside and outside the cell. B) only sodium and potassium ions within the cell membrane. C) neurotransmitters on either side of the cell membrane. D) only sodium and chloride ions on either side of the cell membrane.
B
A neuron's baseline firing rate: A) depends on the frequency of previous action potentials. B) is a low spontaneous firing at fairly random intervals in the absence of any stimulus. C) requires a very weak stimulus. D) depends on the number of dendrites the cell possesses.
B
A neuropsychologist has been studying two patients who suffered strokes. One of the patients can still understand spoken English but can only speak gibberish. The other patient can still speak English fluently but can no longer understand spoken English. This is an example of: A) a single dissociation. B) a double dissociation. C) experience-dependent plasticity. D) an inferior lobe damage
B
A perceived object or event in the world is known as a _____. A) sensory receptor B) distal stimuli C) proximal stimuli D) neural signal
B
A person's knowledge, expectations, and goals which can affect perception, are referred to as: A) bottom-up information. B) top-down information. C) the absolute threshold. D) proximal stimuli.
A
A psychophysical researcher wants to measure the absolute threshold of a particular fragrance. He wants quick results and can compromise on its accuracy. In this scenario, he would use the _____. A) method of adjustment B) method of constant stimuli C) method of limits D) Lamaze method
B
A single particle of light is known as a(n): A) neutron. B) photon. C) proton. D) electron.
B
A strong lens has a relatively _____ focal length and a _____ angle of refraction. A) long; small B) short; large C) long; large D) short; small
B
A transparent membrane at the front of the eye is the: A) retina. B) cornea. C) choroid. D) iris.
C
Accommodation is the term used for the: A) ability of the cornea to refract light. B) ability of the pupil to change its size under different light conditions. C) ability of the lens to adjust its shape to focus on objects at different distances from the eye. D) ability of the retina to adjust its shape in response to bright light.
C
According to the "law of specific nerve energies," articulated by the German scientist Johannes Müller, the brain interprets certain incoming signals as visual information because of: A) light entering the eye. B) gentle pressure of a finger against the side of an eye. C) receptor neurons in the eye. D) electrical currents from retinal prosthetic devices.
C
According to the text, in hyperopia: A) the curvature of the cornea or the lens is slightly irregular or asymmetrical. B) there is a progressive increase in the distance from the eye to the near point as the person ages. C) a person can see distant objects clearly but not nearby objects. D) a person can see nearby objects clearly but not distant objects.
C
An example of sensation would be: A) information about a tree contained in neural signals from receptors. B) information in the mind and brain used to identify, store, and use information about a tree. C) the features of a tree getting converted into electrochemical signals. D) an observer's knowledge and expectations about a tree.
D
Arvi is standing outside his house. He turns his head as he hears an approaching motorcycle. In this scenario, the distal stimulus would be the: A) sound waves reaching his ears. B) light waves reaching his eyes. C) vibrations produced by the motorcycle. D) motorcycle itself.
B
Body senses do NOT include: A) skin temperature. B) gustation. C) balance. D) body movement.
C
Both the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye are filled with a clear thin fluid known as the: A) retinal fluid. B) vitreous humor. C) aqueous humor. D) chamber fluid.
C
Cognitive neuroscience measures neural activity: A) only at the level of individual neurons. B) only in neural circuits. C) both at the level of individual neurons and groups of neurons and neural circuits. D) through simple behavioral responses.
B
Dr. Atherton, a psychologist wants a very quick and easy way to estimate absolute thresholds for a study. Which psychophysical method would be MOST appropriate for him? A) the method of constant stimuli B) the method of adjustment C) the method of random stimuli D) the method of psychometric function
C
Dr. Lazarte is testing an elderly patient's hearing by presenting a set of tones at different intensities. Each tone is presented multiple times, interleaved with the other tones in a random order. After each presentation, the patient indicates whether she heard the tone. The psychophysical technique being used in this scenario is the: A) method of adjustment. B) staircase method. C) method of constant stimuli. D) method of random stimuli.
A
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is based on measurement of the changes in _____ associated with brain activity. A) blood oxygenation B) metabolism C) gustation D) body temperature
C
How many different kinds of photopigment molecules are present in the human retina? A) two B) three C) four D) five
D
In an action potential, the inflow of positively charged ions drives the membrane potential in a positive direction, and if it surpasses a threshold around _____, it increases rapidly until it reaches a peak at about +30 mV. A) -15 mV B) -25 mV C) -35 mV D) -45 mV
B
In baseball, most hitters can detect the initial rotation of a pitched ball. Experienced hitters are able to use this information to accurately anticipate a ball's position when it reaches the plate. This shows that experienced hitters can utilize: A) bottom-up information. B) top-down information. C) distal stimuli. D) transduction.
B
In order to maximally stimulate a retinal ganglion cell with an on-center receptive field, a spot of bright light should strike: A) both the center and the surround of the entire receptive field. B) the entire center of the receptive field without touching the surround. C) only the surround of the receptive field. D) neither the center nor the surround of the receptive field.
C
In rod monochromats the: A) retina develops with cones but without rods. B) optic disk consists only of cones. C) retina develops with rods but without cones. D) optic disk consists of only rods.
B
In the context of lidar systems, an approach that involves sorting objects into categories does NOT include _____. A) vehicles B) animals C) pedestrians D) bicyclists
C
In the field of cognitive neuropsychology, findings based on studies of just a few individuals can be generalized and applied to most human brains based on the: A) doctrine of specific nerve energy. B) notion of modularity. C) assumption of cognitive uniformity. D) concept of functional specialization.
A
In which accommodation disorder does the optic axis become too long, resulting in the light coming to a focus in front of the retina? A) myopia B) hyperopia C) astigmatism D) presbyopia
C
Marco is cooking dinner. He detects the smell of the garlic that he is chopping. In this scenario, the proximal stimulus is the: A) garlic clove. B) signal being sent to the brain about the smell from the receptors. C) odor molecule entering the nose from the garlic. D) interpretation of neural signals in the brain.
A
Our sense of limb position and movement is due to _____. A) proprioception B) nociception C) olfaction D) gustation
D
Photons that cross a boundary between two transparent or translucent media at an oblique angle are: A) transmitted. B) absorbed. C) reflected. D) refracted.
B
Photopigment regeneration: A) occurs only in rod monochromats. B). allows photopigment molecules to resume their 11-cis shape from all-trans. C) is a property of retinal circuits with convergence. D) compensates for the lack of photoreceptors in the optic disk.
B
Presbyopia is characterized by: A) a progressive decrease in the distance from the eye to the near point as the person ages. B) a progressive increase in the distance from the eye to the near point as the person ages. C) a slightly irregular or asymmetrical cornea or lens, making complete accommodation impossible. D) a person being able to view nearby objects clearly but not distant objects.
D
Psychophysics assesses perceptual experience on the basis of: A) neural activity at the level of individual neurons. B) transduction. C) depolarization. D) simple behavioral responses.
D
Sensory receptors convert _____ into neural signals. A) difference threshold B) absolute threshold C) distal stimuli D) proximal stimuli
D
Studies on the midget versus parasol types of RGCs show that at any given distance from the fovea: A) both types of RGCs have similar receptive fields. B) parasol RGCs have relatively small receptive fields and midget RGCs have relatively large receptive fields. C) both types of RGCs send the same kind of visual information to the brain. D) midget RGCs have relatively small receptive fields and parasol RGCs have relatively large receptive fields.
B
The "business ends" of the photoreceptors, where transduction occurs, are embedded in a layer of cells called the _____. A) outer nuclear layer B) pigment epithelium C) ganglion cell layer D) inner synaptic layer
C
The JND for a 100 g weight is 2 g. According to Weber's law, the JND for a 1,000 g weight would be: A) 0.002g. B) 2 g. C) 20 g. D) 200 g.
A
The MOST important subcortical structure involved in perception through which most neural signals originating in the sensory organs pass on their paths to the cortex is known as the _____. A) thalamus B) hippocampus C) amygdala D) corpus callosum
D
The _____ is NOT found in the cerebral cortex. A) frontal lobe B) parietal lobe C) pinna D) corpus callosum
C
The _____ is a large bundle of axons that constitutes the major connection between the two cerebral hemispheres. A) gyrus B) sulcus C) corpus callosum D) gray matter
B
The _____ is an imaginary diameter line from the front to the back of the eye, passing through the center of the lens. A) cornea B) optic axis C) choroid D) lateral rectus
C
The _____ is the colored part of the eye, and the visible portion of the _____ is the white of the eye. A) lens; pupil B) cornea; sclera C) iris; sclera D) sclera; iris
B
The _____ is the portion of the surrounding space that one can see when one's eyes are in a given position in their sockets. A) choroid B) field of view C) retinal image D) fovea
C
The _____ is the region of a sensory surface that, when stimulated, causes a change in the firing rate of a neuron. A) fovea B) blind spot C) receptive field D) near point
A
The _____ states that perception depends on the combined activity of many specialized neurons, each of which responds to specific aspects of a stimulus. A) neuron doctrine B) law of specific nerve energies C) principle of natural selection D) law of structural specificity
A
The _____ states that the kinds of perceptions we have depend on which neurons are activated, not on what is activating those neurons. A) law of specific nerve energies B) law of absolute threshold C) law of neural doctrine D) law of perceptual processing
B
The all-trans retinal and 11-cis-retinal shapes of photopigment molecules are known as: A) phosphenes. B) isomers. C) photochromes. D) enantiomers.
C
The area of the retina that contains no photoreceptors is the: A) fovea. B) macula. C) optic disk. D) outer segment.
A
The central sulcus separates the parietal lobe from the _____ lobe. A) frontal B) temporal C) occipital D) inferior
B
The cones-only curve in a dark adaptation experiment is obtained by: A) having a person suffering from glaucoma as the participant. B) ensuring the spot of light falls only on the fovea. C) ensuring the spot of light is away from the fovea. D) having a rod monochromat as the participant.
C
The degree to which a photopigment molecule absorbs light of different wavelengths is known as: A) pupillary reflex. B) visual acuity. C) spectral sensitivity. D) accommodation.
D
The density of cones: A) is highest in the optic disk. B) remains constant throughout the retina. C) rises rapidly within a short distance of the fovea. D) is highest in the fovea.
C
The density of rods: A) is highest in the optic disk. B) remains constant throughout the retina. C) rises rapidly within a short distance of the fovea. D) is highest in the fovea.
A
The enhancement of edges in Mach bands can be explained by: A) lateral inhibition. B) convergence. C) dark adaptation. D) spatial summation.
A
The extraocular muscles: A) enable rapid and accurate eye movements. B) control the size of the pupil. C) control the shape of the lens. D) supply the inside of the eye with oxygen and nutrients.
D
The higher the degree of convergence in neural circuits: A) the higher the number of one-to one pattern of RGC and photoreceptor connections. B) the lower the response to dim light. C) the more the circuit supports visual acuity. D) the more the circuit supports sensitivity to dim light.
A
The inner nuclear layer of the retina contains bipolar cells, horizontal cells, and _____. A) amacrine cells B) retinal ganglion cells C) photoreceptors D) paracrine cells
C
The intraocular pressure in the three chambers of the eye is: A) lesser than the air pressure. B) equal to the air pressure. C) greater than the air pressure. D) unrelated to the air pressure.
D
The layer of the retina closest to the vitreous chamber of the eye is the _____ layer. A) inner synaptic B) outer synaptic C) outer nuclear D) ganglion cell
A
The minimum intensity of a physical stimulus that can just be detected by an observer is called the _____. A) absolute threshold B) difference threshold C) minimum threshold D) approximate threshold
B
The myelin-covered axons of cortical neurons, making up the interior parts of the cerebral hemispheres are known as _____. A) gray matter B) white matter C) ion channels D) gyri
A
The objects and events that are perceived and the physical phenomena they produce are known as _____. A) stimuli B) receptors C) neurons D) representations
C
The only type of electromagnetic radiation that can be seen by the human eye is: A) microwaves. B) X-rays. C) light. D) ultraviolet rays.
B
The photopigment in _____ is most sensitive to short-wavelength light, with a peak sensitivity at 443 nm. A) rods B) S-cones C) M-cones D) L-cones
C
The photopigments in _____ and _____ have some sensitivity across nearly the entire spectrum of visible light. A) rods; M-cones B) S-cones; L-cones C) M-cones; L-cones D) S-cones; rods
A
The process of focusing light on the retina is performed by the cornea and the: A) lens. B) iris. C) pupil. D) anterior chamber.
B
The process of photopigment regeneration: A) is longer for cones than for rods. B) is longer for rods than for cones. C) aids in adjusting the operating range of the visual system. D) causes the pigment molecules to resume the 11-trans shape.
C
The staircase method is a variation on the method of: A) limits. B) adjustment. C) constant stimuli. D) minimal perception.
A
The superior and inferior rectus muscles move the eye: A) up and down. B) side to side. C) clockwise and counterclockwise. D) in all directions.
B
The surface of the retina can be seen through a(n) _____. A) tonometer B) ophthalmoscope C) imaging camera D) loupe
A
The synaptic vesicles: A) contain molecules of neurotransmitters. B) are released from the dendrites and travel to the axon terminal. C) travel from the postsynaptic membrane to the presynaptic membrane. D) do not enter the synapse.
D
The three layers of membranes in the eye (from outer to inner) are: A) the sclera, the retina, and the choroid. B) the retina, the sclera, and the choroid. C) the choroid, the retina, and the sclera. D) the sclera, the choroid, and the retina.
C
Through some tasty culinary investigation, Chef Willie has found the difference threshold for the sweetness of sugar in a cake. For a cake with 100 mg of sugar, the difference threshold is 5 mg. According to Weber's law, how much sugar would need to be added to a cake already containing 250 mg of sugar in order to make it taste just noticeably sweeter? A) 5 mg B) 10 mg C) 12.5 mg D) 20 mg
A
Wavelengths of light visible by humans: A) do not detect infrared or ultraviolet light. B) are the least abundant wavelengths of light emitted by the sun. C) are poorly transmitted in seawater. D) does not consist of electromagnetic radiation.
D
Weber's Law does NOT account properly for the perception of some dimensions, such as _____. A) taste B) brightness C) loudness D) electric shock
D
When a cell is at rest, it has a membrane potential of _____ . A) -30 mV B) +30 mV C) +70 mV D) -70 mV
D
When a neuron receives a signal from another neuron, the voltage-gated sodium ion channels of the receiving neuron: A) lead to hyperpolarization when opened. B) are found in the dendrites. C) allow Na+ ions to exit the neuron. D) allow Na+ ions to enter the neuron.
C
When an action potential begins, depolarization of the axon membrane is the result of the: A) closing of voltage-gated channels. B) release of Cl− ions. C) influx of Na+ ions. D) influx of K+ ions.
C
Which cells in the retina send action potentials to the brain via the optic nerve? A) bipolar cells B) amacrine cells C) retinal ganglion cells D) photoreceptors
A
Which disorder of vision can be treated with LASIK surgery? A) astigmatism B) cataracts C) glaucoma D) floaters
D
Which functional neuroimaging technique is based on measuring changes in blood flow associated with brain activity and relies on the introduction of a radioactive substance into the blood? A) diffuse optical tomography B) electroencephalography C) magnetoencephalography D) positron emission tomography
C
Which statement about an optic array is false? A) It is the spatial pattern of brightness and color entering the eyes. B) Moving objects in the environment will change the optic array. C) It is constant and does not vary in space and time. D) Changes in the lighting conditions can change the optic array.
C
Which statement does NOT describe an idea contained in the modern theory of evolution? A) Organisms with adaptive new traits are more likely to survive and reproduce than organisms lacking these traits. B) Occasionally, a mutation that yields an adaptive new trait could be passed on to the offspring through DNA. C) Organisms have genotypes that are observable characteristics or traits. D) Like all other traits, senses have evolved through natural selection
B
Which statement is true of an excitatory postsynaptic potential? A) It decreases the probability of an action potential initiated in the postsynaptic neuron. B) It makes the postsynaptic neuron's membrane potential more positive. C) It helps sodium ions to exit a cell. D) It is an indentation between two gyri on the surface of the cerebral hemispheres.
D
Which statement is true of the disorders of accommodation? A) Astigmatism cannot be corrected with glasses as opposed to other disorders of accommodation. B) Presbyopia is characterized by a progressive decrease in the distance from the eye to the near point as the person ages. C) Myopia and hyperopia cannot be detected until much later in life. D) Myopia is known as nearsightedness, while hyperopia refers to farsightedness.
C
Which statement is true of the pupil of the eye? A) It lets more light into the eye when it constricts. B) It is an opening in the middle of the cornea. C) The pupil of the left eye constricts when light is shone in the right eye. D) The size of the pupil is controlled by the sclera of the eye.
D
Which type of perception is NOT one of the traditional five senses? A) tactile B) audition C) olfaction D) proprioception
D
____ is a property of retinal circuits with convergence in which signals from photoreceptors in some small space on the retina add up to affect the response of the retinal ganglion cells in the circuit. A) Lateral inhibition B) Accommodation C) Photoisomerization D) Spatial summation
C
_____ are projections that emanate from the cell body of a neuron receive signals from other neurons. A) Stereocilia B) Voltage-gated channels C) Dendrites D) Axon terminals
A
_____ refers to the later steps in the perceptual process, whereby the initial sensory signals are used to represent objects and events so they can be identified, stored in memory, and used in thought and action. A) Perception B) Sensation C) Dissociation D) Transduction
A
_____ refers to those signals sent by horizontal cells which tend to decrease the responses of photoreceptors in the center of the receptive field. A) Lateral inhibition B) Convergence C) Edge enhancement D) Spatial summation
A
_____ states the relationship between the intensity of a standard stimulus and the size of the just noticeable difference. A) Weber's law B) Sherrington's law C) Fechner's law D) Stevens's law
A
____are capable of transducing light into neural signals in the retina. A) Photoreceptors B) Extraocular muscles C) Horizontal cells D) Oblique muscles
A
____receive signals from and send signals to horizontal cells in the retina. A) Photoreceptors B) Oblique muscles C) Amacrine cells D) Extraocular muscles
