1.
Which of the following words does NOT describe perception?
Correct Answer
A. A passive process
Explanation
A camera is passive but perception is an ACTIVE process of making sense of the world rather than just passively capturing it. However the underlying neurology is so sophisticated it feels like a passive process
2.
What percentage of the cortex are visual brain areas?
Correct Answer
A. 50%
Explanation
around 30 areas and 100 billion cells
3.
Which of the sensory modalities is the most studied/understood?
Correct Answer
A. Vision
Explanation
Vision is the most studied and understood sensory modality because it plays a crucial role in our daily lives. The human visual system is highly complex, and extensive research has been conducted to understand its mechanisms, including the structure and function of the eye, visual processing in the brain, and perception of visual stimuli. Additionally, vision is the primary sense through which we gather information about our environment, making it a subject of great interest in various fields such as psychology, neuroscience, and computer science.
4.
Psychophysics has a central concept of measuring the ... of sensory systems?
Correct Answer
A. All of these
Explanation
These are all measures of the limits of perception
5.
Measuring detection thresholds, a favored practice of Fechner, can be carried out by three methods; which of the following is NOT one of them?
Correct Answer
A. Absolute method
Explanation
These three methods allow different ways of finding a participant's weakest stimulus that evokes a sensation
6.
What percentage of correct performance is necessary for psychophysical trials to determine a threshold of perception (discriminatory or detection)
Correct Answer
A. 75%
Explanation
In psychophysical trials to determine a threshold of perception, a percentage of correct performance is necessary. The correct answer in this case is 75%. This means that in order to accurately determine the threshold, participants need to correctly perceive or discriminate stimuli at a rate of 75% or higher. This level of accuracy ensures that the results are reliable and can be used to make conclusions about the perception threshold.
7.
During a psychophysical trial, the SAME stimulus strength will cause different answers from the same participant; what explains why our threshold detections are not discrete?
Correct Answer
A. Signal detection theory
Explanation
Internal noise interferes with out perceptual decision hence thresholds are probabilistic and not absolute measures of performance (hence 75%)
8.
Which of the following is incorrect about neurophysiological single-cell recording in vision?
Correct Answer
A. It is intracellular
Explanation
This technique has to record extracellularly, it is reductionist because measuring single cells tells us little about the combined activity of many neurones
9.
What type of graph is collected from a neurophysiological experiment of vision?
Correct Answer
A. Histogram (PSTH)
Explanation
Peri-Stimulus-Time-Histogram - firing rate of a cell against time a stimulus is presented in its receptive field
10.
Thresholds can NOT be calculated from which of the following?
Correct Answer
A. All of these can measure thresholds
Explanation
All of the given options can measure thresholds. A neurometric function (single cell) measures the response of a single neuron to different stimuli and can help determine the threshold at which the neuron responds. A psychometric function (detection) measures the ability of an individual to detect a stimulus at different levels of intensity, allowing the determination of the threshold. Similarly, a psychometric function (discrimination) measures the ability to discriminate between different stimuli at varying levels, helping to identify the threshold at which discrimination becomes possible. Therefore, all of these options can be used to calculate thresholds.
11.
Hubel and Wiesel (1959) showed monkeys a bar in various orientations and made what conclusion about neurons?
Correct Answer
A. They act as feature detectors
Explanation
Cells individually responded to different orientations, hence brain has to build up an image through this pattern like firing
12.
Of the functional imaging techniques, which one requires radioactive tagging?
Correct Answer
A. PET
Explanation
EEG - electrical activity but poor spatial RESOLUTION
fMRI/PET - bloodflow but poor spatial ACCURACY
13.
Changes in luminance occurs at many different spatial scales, what change in luminance is responsible for FINE detail?
Correct Answer
A. Abrupt (sharp) changes
Explanation
These would be represented by high SF sinusoidal gratings
14.
How does the brain represent the information in Visual images?
Correct Answer
A. Sinusoidal gratings
Explanation
The brain represents information in visual images through sinusoidal gratings. Sinusoidal gratings are patterns made up of alternating light and dark bars that vary in spatial frequency. These patterns are commonly used in vision research to study visual perception and the brain's processing of visual information. The brain's visual system is sensitive to these gratings and can extract information about their orientation, spatial frequency, and phase. This allows the brain to encode and interpret visual images, contributing to our perception of the world around us.
15.
Which of the following best describes a sinusoidal grating?
Correct Answer
A. Luminance varying across space
Explanation
A sinusoidal grating refers to a pattern where the luminance (brightness) of the image varies across space. It consists of a series of alternating light and dark bars that repeat in a sinusoidal manner. The variation in luminance occurs in the spatial dimension, meaning that the brightness changes as you move across the pattern. This type of grating is commonly used in vision research to study visual perception and sensitivity to spatial frequencies.
16.
There are 4 defining characteristics of Sinusoidal Gratings, which of the following is NOT one of them?
Correct Answer
A. Position
Explanation
Missing one = Spatial phase - which bar begins the grating (relative positioning)
Contrast = intensity difference between the bars
Orientation = axis of the grating's bar
SF = number of bars in one grating (spatial scale of the luminance variation)
17.
What is the name for the process where by you decompose any image into its unique set of sinusoidal gratings?
Correct Answer
A. Fourier Analysis
Explanation
Synthesis is the name for the opposite process
18.
What is the name for measuring the visual system's response to simple sinusoidal grating patterns?
Correct Answer
A. Modulation transfer function
Explanation
if we assume the MTF follows a strict set of rules then we predict exactly how the visual system will respond to all images made up of sinusoidal gratings
19.
The Contrast Sensitivity function shows ... ?
Correct Answer
A. The entire visual system's sensitivity to gratings
Explanation
It is a measure of the contrast we need to see specific spatial frequencies, a contrast detection threshold for sinusoidal gratings
20.
Which of the following is an explanation for why there is a drop off in sensitivity to high spatial frequency gratings in the human CSF?
Correct Answer
A. Optical imperfections of the eye
Explanation
The receptive fields of ganglion cells explains low sf grating insensitivity
21.
The human Contrast Sensitivity Function shows that humans are most sensitive to sinusoidal gratings with what spatial frequencies?
Correct Answer
A. Mid-range
Explanation
The greatest visibility is for sf's of 2-6, extreme high and low sf are invisible without very high contrast
22.
Under which luminance level does our system respond to the highest spatial frequencies?
Correct Answer
A. pHotopic
Explanation
Scotopic = night where are rods are active and we lose our fine detail - hence much lower sf gratings become the largest response
23.
When flickering gratings with a high temporal frequency are used then the CSF sensitivity to low spatial frequencies is drastically improved, what is suspected to be responsible for this?
Correct Answer
A. Mangocellular cells are 10 times more sensitive
Explanation
proved through lesioning studies
24.
Optometrists use very high contrast stimuli to assess visual acuity in eye tests, which of the following is not a common eye test?
Correct Answer
A. Grayson letter discrimination
Explanation
this is what Snellen's test is
25.
What is visual acuity measuring on the CSF
Correct Answer
A. The highest spatial frequency grating you can detect
Explanation
This is the point we require maximum contrast because our sensitivity is so low
26.
Which of these is an advantage of using CSF over Visual acuity tests to measure spatial visual function clinically?
Correct Answer
A. It allows us to correctly predict how well pilots would see objects in fog (where fine detail is lost)
Explanation
CSF gives us a measure over the entire range of spatial scales and allows us to pick up losses of contrast too, a much more thorough measure but is essentially over the top for basic clinical needs
27.
Henning describes 4 basic taste qualities, which of the following is not one of the original 4?
Correct Answer
A. Umami
Explanation
Umami is proposed as the 5th but the original 4th was sweet
28.
Which of the following is incorrect about the origin of the 4 taste components?
Correct Answer
A. Salty - alkaline substances
Explanation
Salty comes from organic salts such as NaCl
29.
The average human has ... tastebuds?
Correct Answer
A. 10,000
Explanation
The average human has 10,000 tastebuds. Tastebuds are small sensory organs on the tongue that allow us to taste different flavors. They are responsible for detecting sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami (savory) tastes. The number of tastebuds can vary from person to person, but on average, it is estimated that humans have around 10,000 tastebuds.
30.
What are the little bumps on the tongue that contain tastebuds?
Correct Answer
A. Papillae
Explanation
Papillae are the little bumps on the tongue that contain tastebuds. These bumps are responsible for detecting different tastes such as sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. The tastebuds on the papillae send signals to the brain, allowing us to perceive and differentiate between different flavors.
31.
There are 3 sets of afferent nerve fibres that carry taste information from the taste buds to the brain, which of these is NOT one of them?
Correct Answer
A. CircumpHaryngeal
Explanation
Bit of a bitch question if this comes up
32.
Which brain area do taste afferent fibres not travel through?
Correct Answer
A. Hippocampus
Explanation
Taste afferent fibers do not travel through the hippocampus. The hippocampus is primarily involved in memory formation and spatial navigation, rather than processing taste information. Taste afferent fibers travel from the taste buds on the tongue to the brain stem, where they synapse with other neurons before being relayed to the thalamus and then to the gustatory cortex in the parietal lobe for further processing and perception of taste.
33.
The degree of pleasantness a sensory (particularly taste) stimulus provides is likely mediated by afferent connections to which brain area?
Correct Answer
A. Orbito-frontal cortex
Explanation
The orbito-frontal cortex is responsible for processing sensory information related to taste and is involved in the subjective experience of pleasure or pleasantness. It receives afferent connections from taste receptors in the mouth and relays this information to other areas of the brain involved in decision-making and emotional processing. Therefore, the degree of pleasantness a sensory stimulus, particularly taste, provides is likely mediated by afferent connections to the orbito-frontal cortex.
34.
Cross-fibre theory suggests that ...
Correct Answer
A. Most neurons responds to several taste stimuli but are tuned to a particular taste
Explanation
The pattern of activity of neurons does code information about taste
35.
The front of the tongue is most sensitive to ...
Correct Answer
A. Sweet and Bitter
Explanation
The back side = SOUR (also the soft palate)
front sides= SALTY
36.
What temperature correlates with the greatest taste sensitivity regardless of taste quality?
Correct Answer
A. 22-32 degrees
Explanation
The temperature range of 22-32 degrees is associated with the greatest taste sensitivity regardless of taste quality. This means that our taste buds are most sensitive within this temperature range, allowing us to perceive and differentiate flavors more accurately. Temperatures outside of this range may affect our ability to fully experience and appreciate the nuances of different tastes.
37.
25% of the population have twice as many papillae than the 'non tasters' and experience taste very strongly, what are they called?
Correct Answer
A. Supertasters
Explanation
Supertasters are individuals who have a higher density of taste buds, specifically papillae, on their tongues. This increased number of taste buds allows them to experience taste sensations more intensely than the average person. Therefore, supertasters are the correct term to describe the individuals who make up 25% of the population and have twice as many papillae as non-tasters.
38.
Which of these is true about both smell and taste?
Correct Answer
A. They are most likely encoded by cross fibre theory
Explanation
The correct answer is "They are most likely encoded by cross fibre theory." This means that both smell and taste are likely encoded by the cross-fiber theory, which suggests that different combinations of neurons firing in response to different stimuli create the perception of different smells and tastes. This theory suggests that there is not a one-to-one relationship between a specific chemical and a specific sensation, but rather a complex interaction of neural signals.
39.
Which of the following is not a destination for the afferent nerves from the olfactory bulb?
Correct Answer
A. Brain stem
Explanation
The olfactory bulb is responsible for processing sensory information related to smell. Afferent nerves carry this information from the olfactory bulb to various destinations in the brain. The olfactory cortex, thalamus, and limbic system are all known destinations for the afferent nerves from the olfactory bulb. However, the brain stem is not a destination for these nerves. The brain stem is primarily involved in controlling basic functions such as breathing, heart rate, and consciousness, rather than processing sensory information.
40.
Which of the following does the sensation of touch have in common with all of the other sensory modalities?
Correct Answer
A. Provides information about objects in the world that are in direct contact with us
Explanation
The correct answer is "Provides information about objects in the world that are in direct contact with us." This is because the sensation of touch is unique in that it allows us to perceive and gather information about objects that are in direct physical contact with our body. This is different from other sensory modalities such as vision or hearing, which rely on different mechanisms to gather information about the external world.
41.
Which of the following is FALSE about human smell sensitivity?
Correct Answer
A. Men are more sensitive to odours than women in general
Explanation
This statement is false because women generally have a better sense of smell compared to men. Studies have shown that women have more olfactory receptors and a larger olfactory bulb in the brain, which contributes to their heightened sense of smell. Men, on the other hand, tend to have a higher threshold for detecting certain odors. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that men are more sensitive to odors than women in general.
42.
There are 4 mechanoreceptors found in SMOOTH skin, which of the following is not found?
Correct Answer
A. Basket cell
Explanation
The final one is Meissner corpuscle, basket cells are found in hairy skin
43.
How many mechanoreceptors are on the hairless skin of the hand?
Correct Answer
A. 17,000
Explanation
The correct answer is 17,000. Mechanoreceptors are sensory receptors that respond to mechanical pressure or distortion. The hand has a high density of mechanoreceptors, particularly in areas like the fingertips. These receptors play a crucial role in our sense of touch and allow us to perceive sensations such as pressure, texture, and vibration. The number of mechanoreceptors on the hairless skin of the hand is estimated to be around 17,000.
44.
Which of the following mechanoreceptors is a rapidly adapting fibre with a small receptor size that responds to fluttering vibrations?
Correct Answer
A. Meissner corpuscle
Explanation
The Meissner corpuscle is a rapidly adapting mechanoreceptor with a small receptor size that responds to fluttering vibrations. It is located in the skin and is particularly sensitive to light touch and low-frequency vibrations. The Pacinian corpuscle, Ruffini ending, and Merkel discs are also mechanoreceptors, but they have different characteristics and functions.
45.
Which of the following mechanoreceptors is a slow adapting fibre with a small receptive field size that responds to pressure sensations?
Correct Answer
A. Merkel discs
Explanation
Merkel discs are slow adapting fibers with a small receptive field size that respond to pressure sensations. These mechanoreceptors are located in the skin and are responsible for detecting fine details and textures. They play a crucial role in our ability to perceive pressure and touch sensations.
46.
Which of the mechanoreceptors is the most well studied?
Correct Answer
A. Pacinian corpuscle
Explanation
The Pacinian corpuscle is the most well-studied mechanoreceptor. This is because it is one of the largest and most easily identifiable mechanoreceptors in the body. It is found in various tissues and organs, including the skin, joints, and internal organs. The Pacinian corpuscle is responsible for detecting deep pressure and vibration, making it an important sensory receptor. Its structure and function have been extensively studied, leading to a better understanding of how mechanoreceptors work and contribute to our sense of touch.
47.
Pacinian corpusble is the ...
Correct Answer
A. Largest mechanoreceptor
Explanation
The Pacinian corpuscle is the largest mechanoreceptor in the body. Mechanoreceptors are sensory receptors that respond to mechanical stimuli such as pressure or vibration. The Pacinian corpuscle is found in the skin and other tissues and is responsible for detecting deep pressure and high-frequency vibrations. It has a large, onion-like structure that allows it to detect these stimuli effectively. Therefore, it is considered the largest mechanoreceptor in the body.
48.
To measure absolute thresholds for passive touch on the skin, what stimulus is deployed?
Correct Answer
A. Nylon filament
Explanation
Nylon filament is deployed to measure absolute thresholds for passive touch on the skin. This means that the nylon filament is used to determine the minimum amount of pressure or force required for a person to perceive the sensation of touch on their skin. It is a common tool used in sensory testing to assess tactile sensitivity and perception.
49.
Information about pain and temperature is carried by the ... ?
Correct Answer
A. Spinothalamic tract
Explanation
The spinothalamic tract is responsible for carrying information about pain and temperature. It is a pathway that runs from the spinal cord to the thalamus in the brain, transmitting sensory information related to pain and temperature sensations. This tract allows us to perceive and respond to painful and hot/cold stimuli.
50.
Which of these words does NOT describe the fibres that carry touch information into the dorsal side of the spinal cord
Correct Answer
A. Efferent
Explanation
They are Afferent (towards the brain)