US High School Psychology Practice Exam

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Prepare for the US High School Psychology Exam with engaging flashcards and comprehensive multiple choice questions. Each question is detailed with hints and explanations to ensure a successful outcome. Focus your study efforts and excel in your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

In the visual system, what is the main function of rods and cones?

Convert sound waves into visual images
Detect motion changes in the environment
Convert light into electrochemical impulses
Enhance peripheral vision

The correct answer is: Convert light into electrochemical impulses

The primary function of rods and cones in the visual system is to convert light into electrochemical impulses. Rods and cones are specialized photoreceptor cells located in the retina of the eye. Rods are highly sensitive to light and enable vision in low-light conditions, while cones are responsible for color vision and function best in bright light. When light hits these photoreceptors, they undergo a biochemical change, leading to the generation of nerve impulses. These impulses are then transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve, allowing us to perceive images. This fundamental process of transducing light into electrical signals is crucial for our visual perception, making the option that emphasizes this conversion function the correct choice. The other options involve functions unrelated to the specific roles of rods and cones, such as sound processing, motion detection, or peripheral vision enhancement, which are not the primary roles of these photoreceptor types.