Biological Psychology the Human Ear

Biological Psychology

The human ear is one of the body's sensory organs that is used for both hearing and balance. The ear seems to have evolutionarily developed based on the need for a more acute sense outside of the water. The range of frequencies that the human ear can both detect and analyze is probably the result of evolutionary pressure to understand complex speech sounds and differentiate between natural sounds in the environment, and speech. For instance, the sound of a predator, rockslide or lightning bolt tend to rise slowly instead of abruptly -- human speech and sounds (music, etc.) is planned, and therefore expected. Too, the frequencies in which humans hear are the most likely to be translated appropriately into a learning function for the brain, and thus an evolutionary advantage.

Part 2 -- Frequency changes are picked up in the human brain based on pressure sensors in the ear. Loudness is determined by the rate at which these sound pulses occur and frequency by which nerves are activated and then need interpreted. It seems that the human brain would distinguish loudness for a high-frequency tone by comparing it with messages in the auditory cortex. In addition, these are localized by means of tone and timbre, which differs from frequency and is analyzed in a different manner than just loudness.

Part 3 -- Hypnosis in humans is really a state of deep relaxation, almost sleep, but not quite. It is a state of mind that allows the subconscious mind to be freer to make associates, articulate memories, and become more readily accessible. To determine whether hypnosis releases endorphins, one could design an experiment to measure the amount of endorphins between individuals prior to, during, and after hypnosis over time. The experiment should be broad enough to encompass many demographic variables, and be done over time to validate the results.

Part 4 - Language is the human capacity for using complex systems for communication. This may be through verbal, visual, or written means. Scholars disagree about the origin of language, but it is likely that it evolved through a necessity for humans to need to learn from each other and remember techniques and events that would allow them to survive. Syntax, or the way in which we put sounds together to form words, then words to other concepts, is hierarchical in nature. From an evolutionary perspective, it would focus on the issues for survival and procreation of the social unit. The labeled-line theory would tell us that each portion of the language is focused on a very specific quality. The across-fiber pattern system focuses on patterns, and the way stimuli are put together to form meaning. Thus, it is likely that language is across-fiber pattern since, unlike many primitive languages that are less complex (subject, verb, object), language evolved into complex patterns that have divergent meanings that require interpretation.