In the context of AP Psychology, what does the place theory explain?

• A. How neurotransmitters are released at different places in the synapse
• B. How the brain processes visual information from different locations in the retina
• C. How memories are stored in specific locations throughout the brain
• D. How different frequencies of sound are perceived because specific locations along the basilar membrane in the cochlea respond to different pitches

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key concept in the question: place theory, which is related to auditory perception in psychology.
2. Recall that place theory explains how the ear and brain perceive different sound frequencies based on the location of stimulation along the basilar membrane in the cochlea.
3. Understand that different frequencies of sound waves cause vibrations at specific places on the basilar membrane, and this spatial coding helps the brain interpret pitch.
4. Recognize that the other options (neurotransmitter release, visual processing, memory storage) relate to different psychological or neurological processes, not place theory.
5. Conclude that place theory specifically explains how different frequencies of sound are perceived due to the location of stimulation on the basilar membrane.