Place Theory

Definition

Place theory is a theory in auditory perception that explains how we perceive different pitches or tones based on the specific location or "place" along the basilar membrane of the inner ear where the sound wave stimulates hair cells.

Related terms

Frequency Theory:

This theory suggests that our perception of pitch depends on how fast the hair cells vibrate in response to sound waves.

Basilar Membrane:

It is a thin strip of tissue within the cochlea that contains specialized hair cells responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals.

Tonotopic Organization: It refers to how sounds of different frequencies are processed and represented in an organized manner along the auditory pathway.