Intensity discrimination as a function of frequency and sensation level

• DOI: 10.1121/1.381278
• Publication Date: 2005-10-03T22:24:10Z
• Authors: Walt Jesteadt; Craig C. Wier; David M. Green
• Keywords: Intensity; Sensation; Tone (literature)

Intensity discrimination was measured for pulsed sinusoids of various frequencies (200–8000 Hz) and sensation levels (5–80 dB). The data all were fitted by a single function, ΔI/I=0.463 (I/I0)−0.072, where I0 is intensity at threshold, I the tone, ΔI increment needed to obtain 71% correct in two-interval forced-choice adaptive procedure. form this function good agreement with reported comparable studies but differs markedly from Riesz [Phys. Rev. 31, 867–875 (1928)]. An analysis actual values ΔI/I other indicates range larger than would be predicted on basis individual differences among observers study. are also discussed terms predictions current theoretical models.