There are two basic theoretical explanations of how we sense the pitch of a sound: frequency theory and place theory. Which theory BEST explains our sensation of sounds that have a pitch in the mid-range frequency?
A)Place theory best explains those sound sensations.
B)Frequency theory best explains those sound sensations.
C)Neither place theory nor frequency theory can adequately explain how we sense sounds that are in the mid-range frequencies.
D)Both place and frequency theories apply to the sensation of mid-range frequencies.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both place theory and frequency theory contribute to our understanding of how we perceive pitch, especially in the mid-range frequencies. Place theory explains pitch perception as depending on the location where the sound waves stimulate the basilar membrane in the cochlea, while frequency theory suggests that the rate at which auditory nerve fibers fire is crucial for pitch perception. For mid-range frequencies, elements of both theories are applicable, indicating a more complex interaction in how we perceive these sounds.

There Are Two Basic Theoretical Explanations of How We Sense