In sensory deprivation studies, researchers were interested in what would happen if our senses adapted to most incoming stimuli. Explain the findings of the early studies in sensory deprivation. What has been revealed by later research?

What will be an ideal response?


Answer: A good answer will include the following key points.
• In early studies of sensory deprivation, researchers isolated male volunteers from all patterned sight and sound.
• Within a few hours, most of the men felt edgy and many were so disoriented that they quit the first day.
• Those subjects that continued became confused, restless, and grouchy, and many experienced hallucinations.
• Later research, using better methods, showed that hallucinations are less frequent and less disorienting than had first been thought.
• Some perceptual and intellectual abilities may actually improve.
• The response to sensory deprivation depends on expectations and interpretations.
• Those who voluntarily engage in limited periods of sensory deprivation may find it to be relaxing.

Psychology

You might also like to view...

There is a wide variety of cultural beliefs regarding the amount of autonomy that a toddler should be allowed. Identify some of these varying beliefs and indicate the possible consequences of each

What will be an ideal response?

Psychology

Both Pavlov's and Thorndike's procedures allow examination of the effects of varying the time interval between events-that is, the effects of their temporal

a. dependency.

b. compatibility.

c. reliability.

d. contiguity.

e. affinity.

Psychology

What country has the highest percentage of young adults who cohabitate before marriage?

a. Sweden b. Britain c. United States d. France

Psychology

Women with either BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations are __________

A) unlikely to develop breast cancer before age 40 B) especially likely to develop breast cancer in late adulthood C) especially likely to develop early-onset breast cancer D) unlikely to develop breast cancer after age 40

Psychology