Which of the following best describes the place theory of pitch perception?

• A. Pitch is determined by the rate at which the entire basilar membrane vibrates in response to sound.
• B. Pitch perception is based on the number of hair cells activated regardless of their location.
• C. Different frequencies of sound waves stimulate different locations along the basilar membrane, allowing us to perceive pitch.
• D. Pitch is perceived through the interaction of both the auditory and visual systems.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that the place theory of pitch perception explains how we perceive different pitches based on the location of stimulation along the basilar membrane in the cochlea.
2. Step 2: Recognize that according to this theory, different sound frequencies cause vibrations at specific places on the basilar membrane, with high frequencies stimulating the base and low frequencies stimulating the apex.
3. Step 3: Note that this spatial coding allows the auditory system to identify pitch by detecting which part of the basilar membrane is activated, rather than the overall vibration rate or number of hair cells alone.
4. Step 4: Compare this with other theories, such as the frequency theory, which suggests pitch is determined by the rate of vibration of the entire basilar membrane, highlighting the distinction.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description of the place theory is that different frequencies stimulate different locations along the basilar membrane, enabling pitch perception.