How stimuli are represented in our minds and brain.

Coding

A lot of what someone experiences is not based on direct stimuli, rather representations in the nervous system

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

- Reaction time
- Levels of analysis
- Principle of Neural Representation
- Processing in perception
- Bayesian Inference
- Mental imagery

Focuses of Research on Perception

Functioning as the central building blocks and core information processors of the nervous system, neurons are interconnected cells essential for all tasks the system performs. The human brain contains around 100 billion neurons at birth. Their role encompasses everything from simple reflexes to complex cognitive functions.

Neurons

Goldstein, E. B. (2014). Cognitive psychology: Connecting mind, research and everyday experience. Nelson Education.


Cognitive psychology: Connecting mind, research and everyday experience

How long it takes to respond to a stimulus

Reaction time

Principle of Neural representation

Processing in perception

Created by Thomas Bayes, who posited that our estimate of the probability of an outcome was determined by two things:
- 1) prior probability of an outcome 
- 2) likelihood of an outcome

Bayesian Inference

The ability to (mentally) recreate the sensory world in the absence of external stimuli. People can imagine tastes, smells and experiences

Mental Imagery

The study of perception involves multiple levels of analysis, extending from fundamental biological mechanisms to behavioral outcomes. These levels include:
1) Chemical processes
2) Activation of individual neurons
3) Activation of specific brain structures
4) Activation of interacting groups of brain structures
5) The conscious experience of perception
6) The resulting behavioral output or action

Levels of Analysis for Perception

When viewing stained brain tissues under a microscope, the cells look like a network. This network structure in the brain is referred to as a nerve net.

Nerve net

States that individual cells transmit signals throughout the nerve system and that function was not continuous (opposing the beliefs held by nerve net theory)

Neuron doctrine 

The (metabolic) center of a neuron. It is in charge of keeping the cell alive

Cell body

Structures that branch out from the cell body. They receive signals from other cells. The receptors of the neuron.

Dendrites

(usually) Long processes that send signals to other neurons. The transmitters of the neuron.

Axons (nerve fibers)

Neurons are connected to a specific set of other neurons (not all neurons are connected with one another). When sets of connections are paired together, they form neural circuits.

Neural circuits

There exist specialized neurons that pick up information from the environment such as neurons in the eyes, ears and skin. They have a specialized receptor in place of the cell body and dendrites. 

Receptors

- mirror neurons 
- sensory neurons
- motor neurons 
- interneurons 

Types of neurons 

https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/apoptosis

Apoptosis

Apoptosis is referred to as programmed cell death that can be used to eliminate unwanted cells. It plays a significant factor in preventing cancer or during development, for example, however it can have negative impact as well, especially regarding neurodegenerative diseases.

Groups of neuron structures that work together in the brain. Supports the idea that the brain works like a symphony - different areas work together to create various cognitions.

Neural networks ( neuroscience )

A hypothetical toxin is introduced into an organism's system. This toxin's only effect is to prevent neurons from communicating with one another, but it does not kill them or affect any other type of cell. Based on the primary function of neurons, what would be the most immediate and comprehensive outcome for the organism?

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