What is an example of frequency theory in psychology?

What is an example of frequency theory in psychology?

The frequency theory of hearing proposes that whatever the pitch of a sound wave, nerve impulses of a corresponding frequency will be sent to the auditory nerve. For example, a tone measuring 600 hertz will be transduced into 600 nerve impulses a second.

What is an example of place theory?

The place theory of hearing is used to explain how we distinguish high-pitched sounds that possess a frequency that exceeds 5,000 hertz. For example, a sound that measures 6,000 hertz would stimulate the spot along the basilar membrane that possesses a characteristic frequency of 6,000 hertz.

What does the frequency theory of pitch perception suggest?

The place theory of pitch perception suggests that different portions of the basilar membrane are sensitive to sounds of different frequencies. At frequencies up to about 4000 Hz, it is clear that both the rate of action potentials and place contribute to our perception of pitch.

What does frequency theory explain?

Frequency Theory (Rutherford, 1886) holds that pitch perception corresponds to the rate of vibration of all receptive cells along the inner ear membrane. For example, a sound of frequency 2000 Hz would cause the whole membrane to vibrate at a rate of 2000 Hz.

What is the definition of frequency theory?

Quick Reference. A theory of pitch perception first proposed in 1886 by the British physiologist William Rutherford (1839–99) according to which the ear converts acoustic vibrations into nerve impulses by emitting one impulse for each cycle of the sound wave in the manner of a telephone.

What is place code theory?

The place code theory is given that name because it identifies each pitch with a particular place along the basilar membrane. It assumes that any excitation of that particular place gives rise to a specific pitch.

What is the frequency theory?

Why is frequency theory important?

This is attributed to the frequency theory of hearing. The frequency theory of hearing states that the frequency of the auditory nerve’s impulses corresponds to the frequency of a tone, which allows us to detect its pitch.

Who proposed frequency theory?

Rutherford
Frequency Theory (Rutherford, 1886) holds that pitch perception corresponds to the rate of vibration of all receptive cells along the inner ear membrane. For example, a sound of frequency 2000 Hz would cause the whole membrane to vibrate at a rate of 2000 Hz.

How does frequency theory relate to sound waves?

Frequency theory in essence claims that human beings do not actually experience sound waves themselves, but rather vibrations on the auditory nerve, the frequencies of which are identical to the frequencies of the sound waves coming into the ear.

Is there a flaw in the frequency theory?

The major flaw in frequency theory is that the neurons fire at a maximum of about 1,000 impulses per second, so frequency theory would not account for sounds above 1,000 hertz. This means that Martin would not be able to hear the high notes of his favorite song!

How big is the frequency theory of hearing?

Frequency theory of hearing can only account for sounds up to 5,000 hertz. The place theory of hearing accounts for sounds at or above 5,000 hertz. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. Are you a student or a teacher? Become a Study.com member and start learning now. Already a member? Log In Already registered?

How is the frequency of a sound related to its pitch?

According to the frequency theory, the frequency of the nerve impulses of the auditory nerve corresponds to the frequency of a tone, which allows us to detect its pitch. The entire basilar membrane is activated by sound waves at different rates. As a result, the neural impulses are transmitted at different rates.