AP Psychology – Sensation and Perception 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Marlee is experiencing conduction deafness due to the puncture in her eardrum. This type of deafness occurs when there is a disruption in the transmission of sound waves through the outer or middle ear. The eardrum plays a crucial role in hearing by vibrating in response to sound waves and transferring those vibrations to the bones of the middle ear. When the eardrum is punctured, this transmission is compromised, leading to a reduction in sound intensity or clarity.

Conduction deafness is typically characterized by difficulties in hearing sounds, particularly softer sounds, whereas nerve deafness (sensorineural hearing loss) involves damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, impacting the brain's ability to process sound. Continuity and closure are terms related to perception and not specifically associated with hearing impairments. Thus, the correct identification of the problem relating to her eardrum puncture aligns well with conduction deafness.