Chapter 5: Problem 33

How can temporal and place theories both be used to explain our ability to perceive the pitch of sound waves with frequencies up to \(4000 \mathrm{Hz} ?\)

Short Answer

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Temporal Theory indicates pitch is determined by the frequency at which the auditory nerve fires. In this case, the nerve can fire up to 4000 times per second, explaining how we perceive this pitch. Place Theory posits that pitch is determined by where sound vibrations occur in the cochlea. Here, different frequencies will stimulate different cells, with cells closer to the beginning of the cochlea being stimulated at higher frequencies, explaining up to 4000 Hz.

Step by step solution

Introduction to Temporal Theory

Temporal theory suggests that pitch is determined by the frequency at which the auditory nerve fires. This theory can explain perception of sound pitches up to 4000 Hz because the auditory nerve is capable of firing at a rate of up to 4000 times per second. So if a sound wave is at 4000 Hz, the auditory nerve will fire 4000 times per second, and this rapid firing is perceived as a high pitch.

Introduction to Place Theory

Place theory, on the other hand, suggests that the perception of pitch is determined by the location of the hair cells on the basilar membrane of the inner ear that are stimulated by sound. Depending on the frequency of sound, different hair cells vibrate - greater vibration of cells at one end of the membrane tends to denote lower frequency, whereas greater vibration at the other end denotes higher frequency. For frequencies up to 4000 Hz, place theory can explain the perception of pitch because different frequencies will stimulate different hair cells along the membrane, with higher frequencies (up to 4000 Hz) stimulating hair cells closer to the beginning of the cochlea.

Summarizing the Theories

In summary, both theories can explain pitch perception up to 4000 Hz. Temporal theory does so via the frequency of auditory nerve firing, while place theory does so via the specific region of hair cell stimulation in the cochlea. These theories are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary, each explaining a different aspect of how we perceive pitch.

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How can temporal and place theories both be used to explain our ability to perceive the pitch of sound waves with frequencies up to \(4000 \mathrm{Hz} ?\)

Short Answer

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Introduction to Temporal Theory

Introduction to Place Theory

Summarizing the Theories

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