Background Information
Why have I chose to do 3 hands on neuroscience experiments?
These assignments allow for me to truly remember the information and I get to have some fun with the assignment at the same time.
Did I have fun?
At first, but then I began to realize how difficult it was to not be able to see.
Why did I like music more when I had the blindfold on?
Maybe because there was less distraction I could process information more intensely, or maybe because I was so bored it was more entertaining. And since music is closely linked to emotion (Coderre, 2025) I feel like maybe without any other stimuli it does feel more intense.
Quote 1
"I now understand the dog thing"
What did I spend my Saturday night doing?
Aimlessly wondering around my house with a blind fold on.
How many times did I take off the blind fold
3 times.
1. Dishes, how was I suppose to tell which ones were mine?
2. Going upstairs, its scary to be blind and alone on a different level of the house then everyone else.
3. To finish a battleship game that I started before the challenge.
How was object recognition different when I was not able to see?
For me, I was able to do understand basic elements by touching the edges of an object, but I could not preform higher-order processing without being able to see. I could do viewer-centered description matched onto stored 3D representations of objects. I could tell something was 3D and I could usually tell what the object was. I could also name the object usually. The only thing that would need to be different would need to change would be descripting factors that relies on visual stimuli (Coderre, 2025).
Quote 2 --> To roommate
"I am so sorry if you want me to shut up, you need to tell me because I cannot tell"
Did all of my roommates and friends ask why I chose this assignment.
Yes, I thought it would be easy, I was wrong.
What was the hardest part?
The boredom, didn't realize how exciting sight was until it was gone. No phone use, no visuals behind "watching" tv, no homework could really get done.
What was the primary thing that was missing with the blind fold sensory or perception?
The main thing missing is sensation. Because of how the dark blindfold was blocking the light out there was no opportunity for the mind to construct any perception without any input (Coderre, 2025).
Quote 3: --> to me from roommate
"do you think people can just decide they aren't blind anymore to play battleship!? NO! Keep that blindfold on your face!"
What did I use for a blind fold?
A silk hair bonnet.
What was the most interesting part.
I liked music a lot more, it was kind of the only thing I could really do to entertain myself. Also, I was shier then usual, I did not have the visual confirmation behind social settings. I had no idea if people wanted to be having a conversation, or it was inconvenient for them, I couldn't see what activity they were doing of if they were trying to get back to it as a hint to me, so I was more quiet.
What location of the brain is involved in vision perception that I was missing in this experience?
The Lateral geniculate nucleus/ LGN. It divides information from the retina and acts as a processing station for visual perception information (Coderre, 2025).
Question 1:
is it different for blind people then blind folded people because sometimes light can still be let in and perceived?
Did I plan ahead for this activity?
Not in the slightest. It was interesting.
Would I rather be deaf or blind if I had to choose?
Both have their challenges, but probably deaf. I would prefer to maintain my sight and hearing if I have the choice.
If instead of using a blindfold, I simply walked around my house at night with no lights on, what cells in the retina would be working the hardest?
Rod cells.
Question 2:
When blind people wear sunglasses does it help with any symptoms of blindness, or is it for confidence.