Question

What are receptive fields and why is this an important concept in the study of sensation and perception? (Your answer should include a in depth discussion of the concept receptive fields as it applies to all major sensory modalities). You may use drawings to help in your explanation but there must be substantial written elaboration.

Answer 1

receptive fields:- the area of space in which a receptor can respond to a stimulus. If you look directly in front of you see is the receptive field of your eye.

• The receptive field for sight is -​​​​​--retina(receptive fields can be essentially circular. It elicits activating responses)

Sensation:- the process which our sence organs and receptors detect and respond to sensory information.

Perception:- meaning to sensory information.

types of receptive fields:-

receptive fields are selective for the direction of motion of a stimulus.

1. On- centre
2. Off- centre

on- centre:- firing rate increase when light hits the centre.

off- centre:- firing rate decreases when light hits the centre.

Sensory modality:- each sensory modality is composed of multiple brain organs like thalamus, peripheral neurone. Here thalamus requires complex stimulus. Where as peripheral neurone respond well to pure tones.