Psychology: Hearing

What is the function of the auditory system?

• To convert pressure waves into meaningful sounds

• To process visual information

• To control balance and movement

• To regulate body temperature

Which part of the ear contains the sensory receptor cells of the auditory system?

• Outer ear

• Middle ear

• Inner ear

• Tympanic membrane

How are sound waves converted into neural impulses?

• Through the movement of the ossicles

• Through the activation of hair cells

• Through the stimulation of the pinna

• Through the vibration of the eardrum

What is the function of the basilar membrane?

• To amplify incoming sound waves

• To transmit neural signals to the brain

• To localize sound in the environment

• To contain the sensory receptor cells

Which theory of pitch perception suggests that different portions of the basilar membrane are sensitive to sounds of different frequencies?

• Temporal theory

• Place theory

• Both theories

• Neither theory

What are monaural cues used for in sound localization?

• To detect differences in patterns of vibration of the eardrum

• To locate sounds that occur above or below and in front or behind us

• To determine the intensity of a sound wave

• To identify the frequency of a sound

What is conductive hearing loss associated with?

• A failure in the vibration of the eardrum and/or movement of the ossicles

• A failure to transmit neural signals from the cochlea to the brain

• A degeneration of inner ear structures

• Exposure to extreme noise

What is sensorineural hearing loss associated with?

• A failure in the vibration of the eardrum and/or movement of the ossicles

• A failure to transmit neural signals from the cochlea to the brain

• A degeneration of inner ear structures

• Exposure to extreme noise

What is one of the values of deaf culture?

• Teaching deaf children to try to speak and read lips

• Encouraging cochlear implant surgery for all deaf individuals

• Continuing traditions like using sign language

• Enrolling deaf children in mainstream schools

What is the primary mode of communication in deaf culture?

• Verbal language

• Reading lips

• American Sign Language (ASL)

• Written language