Question

Read the passage below and answer the question that follows.

A professor at the college explained to his students that this theory of hearing is similar to piano strings. If you sound a note with a tuning fork near a piano, the piano string tuned to that note will vibrate.

Of which theory of hearing was the above an example?
A.
tuning theory
B.
frequency theory
C.
place theory
D.
cochlear theory

Answer 1

C. place theory

Explanation: Place theory compares the basilar membrane to piano strings — different frequencies cause maximal vibration at specific locations along the membrane (like a piano string tuned to a particular note vibrating when that note is played).