Modularity and Visual Pathways

• What are the main topics covered in this session on modularity and visual pathways?

  Physiological modules, visual pathways, retina to cortex, sub-cortical pathways, and modules in cognitive psychology
• How are physiological modules defined according to Goldstein?

  A structure is a module for a quality if it contains a large proportion of neurons that respond selectively to that quality
• What are the primary receiving areas for the senses in the brain?

  Occipital lobe for vision, temporal lobe for hearing, and parietal lobe for skin senses
• What is the function of the Middle Temporal (MT) area in the visual cortex?

  Cells in the MT area respond to visual movement, with 90% of neurons responding only to movement in specific directions
• How can modules be defined in terms of sensation information processing?

  Modules can be defined by the types of sensation information they process and can exist at different levels of sensory processing
• What is the role of ganglion cells in the retina?

  Ganglion cells take sensory information along the optic nerve
• What does retinotopic mapping refer to in the visual system?

  Retinotopic mapping means that each location on the retina corresponds to a location in the visual cortex
• How does the cortical magnification factor relate to visual processing?

  The area of cortex devoted to a visual field varies with eccentricity, with more peripheral areas having fewer cells on the retina
• What is the largest projection in the visual pathways?

  The largest projection goes to the visual cortex via the lateral geniculate nucleus
• What is the phenomenon of blindsight?

  Blindsight occurs when patients can respond accurately to visual stimuli in damaged parts of their visual field without conscious visual experience
• What do the terms ventral and dorsal pathways refer to in visual processing?

  Ventral pathway is associated with perception, while dorsal pathway is associated with action
• What does double dissociation indicate in cognitive psychology?

  Double dissociation indicates that two functions involve different mechanisms that work independently of one another
• What are the characteristics of the case of DF with visual form agnosia?

  DF has good acuity and color vision but cannot visually recognize pictures of objects or shapes due to ventral pathway damage
• What does the preserved dorsal pathway in DF indicate about her abilities?

  DF's preserved dorsal pathway indicates that her vision for action is intact despite her ventral pathway damage
• How do patients with optic ataxia differ from those with visual form agnosia?

  Patients with optic ataxia have unimpaired recognition but make errors in hand rotation when reaching for objects
• What does the summary of parallel processing indicate about visual pathways?

  There are parallel streams of processing for action and perception, but connections exist that allow for cross-talk between these pathways
• How does cognitive science view modules compared to physiological modules?

  Cognitive science views modules as hypothetical and functionally defined, rather than physiologically localized
• What are some defining features of modules according to Fodor?

  Modules are domain specific, innately specified, informationally encapsulated, fast, hardwired, and autonomous
• What does domain specificity mean in the context of modules?

  Domain specificity means that modules only process a particular type of information, responding only to stimuli of a specific class
• How do modules achieve speed in processing information?

  Modules achieve speed by having access only to the information required for their specific function
• What is the significance of asking questions about the characteristics of modules in cognitive psychology?

  Asking questions about module characteristics is crucial for developing theories and models of processing systems in cognitive science
• What are the key points summarized about physiological modules and visual pathways?

  Physiologically defined modules respond to specific sensory inputs, there are multiple visual pathways, and modularity is central to cognitive science
• What resources should students use to prepare for the exam according to the study guide?

  Students should review intended learning outcomes, engage with activities, and undertake essential reading from Goldstein's "Sensation and Perception"
• What is the role of the superior colliculus in visual processing?

  The superior colliculus is involved in sub-cortical visual processing and evolved from the optic tectum found in all vertebrates
• What does unconscious visual processing refer to in the context of sub-cortical pathways?

  Unconscious visual processing refers to the ability of patients to respond accurately to visual stimuli in damaged areas of their visual field without conscious experience
• What is the significance of the Fusiform face area in visual processing?

  The Fusiform face area is significant for processing complex stimuli, particularly faces, within the inferotemporal cortex
• What is the implication of top-down feedback in module processing?

  Top-down feedback allows modules to receive input from higher-level processes, enhancing their processing capabilities