This is a summary for the first exam from sensation and perception () at Utrecht University (UU). It combines the information from the lectures with the corresponding chapters in the book (Sensation and Perception, 5th edition, by Wolfe, Kluender & Levi).
Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 2
The eye ................................................................................................................................................... 6
Spatial vision........................................................................................................................................ 11
Object perception and recognition ....................................................................................................... 14
Colour perception................................................................................................................................. 18
Space and binocular vision .................................................................................................................. 23
Attention .............................................................................................................................................. 26
Motion perception ................................................................................................................................ 30
Vestibular system ................................................................................................................................. 35
Sound and the ear ................................................................................................................................. 37
Auditory processing ............................................................................................................................. 40
Auditory perception ............................................................................................................................. 43
Touch ................................................................................................................................................... 46
Olfaction .............................................................................................................................................. 51
Gustation .............................................................................................................................................. 54
1
, LUC MALCONTENT
Introduction
Sensation and perception: Interactions between physical forces in the world and sensory organs produce
neural activity that carries information about the world. We analyse these patterns in the physical forces
and neural responses to understand what is happening around us.
Senses: within the sensory organs there are specific parts or sensory receptors that interact with something
physical in the outside world.
- Within vision and audition processing is separated into different pathways (shape, motion,
frequency).
Vision: primary sense that guides almost every action. Analysis of vision is used for object recognition,
space, and motion.
Neural computations: neurons can analyse information from other neurons to help us understand the world.
- These neurons respond to light in the
centre and when configured in a line
the connected neuron responds to a
line of light.
Sensation: a translation of the external physical environment into a pattern of neural activity by a sensory
organ.
Perception: analysis of the neural activity to understand the environment and guide behaviour. It is the
subjective conscious experience of the outside world.
Sensation and perception reflect interactions between our sensory organs and physical properties of
the world.
o Dependent on physical properties of the world.
o Limited by the physical properties of our senses.
Properties: sensation and perception have evolved to help us survive and reproduce:
- Optimized for useful representations of the environment.
- Influenced by interpretation: context and experience.
- Dependent on limited resources of attention and awareness.
2
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller lucmalcontent1. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $5.98. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
