Level discrimination of tones as a function of duration. 1986

M Florentine

Difference limens for level [delta Ls (dB) = 20 log[p + delta p)/p), where p is the pressure] were measured as a function of duration for tones at 250, 500, and 8000 Hz. Stimulus durations ranged from 2 ms to 2 s, and the stimulus power was held constant. Rise and fall times were 1 ms. The interstimulus interval was 250 ms. At each frequency, three levels were tested: 85, 65, and approximately 40 dB SPL. An adaptive two-alternative forced-choice procedure with feedback was used. For three normal listeners, delta Ls decreased as duration increased, up to at least 2 s, except at 250 Hz. At 250 Hz, delta L stopped decreasing at durations between 0.5 and 1 s. In a double logarithmic plot of delta L versus duration, the rate of decrease is generally well fitted by a sloping line. The average slope is -0.28; it is steeper at high levels than at low levels. Because the average slope is shallower than the -0.5 slope predicted for an optimum detector, it may be that fast adaptation of auditory-nerve activity and/or memory effects interfere with level discrimination of long-duration tones. Finally, the delta Ls at 8 kHz decreased nonmonotonically with increasing level.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008144 Loudness Perception The perceived attribute of a sound which corresponds to the physical attribute of intensity. Loudness Perceptions,Perception, Loudness,Perceptions, Loudness
D010897 Pitch Discrimination The ability to differentiate sound frequency or pitch. Discrimination, Pitch,Pitch Discriminations
D011571 Psychoacoustics The science pertaining to the interrelationship of psychologic phenomena and the individual's response to the physical properties of sound. Psychoacoustic
D011939 Mental Recall The process whereby a representation of past experience is elicited. Recall, Mental
D005246 Feedback A mechanism of communication within a system in that the input signal generates an output response which returns to influence the continued activity or productivity of that system. Feedbacks
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D001288 Attention Focusing on certain aspects of current experience to the exclusion of others. It is the act of heeding or taking notice or concentrating. Focus of Attention,Selective Attention,Social Attention,Attention Focus,Attention, Selective,Attention, Social,Selective Attentions
D013997 Time Factors Elements of limited time intervals, contributing to particular results or situations. Time Series,Factor, Time,Time Factor

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