Human sensation and perception
Several simple investigations give an insight into the working of the human brain – exploring perception, learning or how we respond to our surroundings.
Experiments
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Practice makes perfect?
Carry out three simple tests of sensorimotor skills. Present results graphically and interpret in terms of how sensorimotor skills have developed during the test. -
Assessing skin sensitivity – touch discrimination
Touch the skin on different parts of the body with two points a measured distance apart. Determine the smallest distance in each area where two distinct touches are felt. -
Assessing skin sensitivity – locating different receptors
Map stimulation of the skin over a small area using different stimuli to show that different kinds of receptor are distributed throughout the skin. -
Investigating how we see colour
Use blocks of colour on projected slides or printed sheets to explore the relationship between visible colours and after-images. Develop hypotheses to explain colour vision. -
Assessing skin sensitivity – temperature receptors
Investigate sensation induced by touch with a warm (but gradually cooling) thermometer and a cold (but gradually warming) thermometer. -
Assessing human hearing
Use a number of techniques to evaluate the sense of hearing.