A New Psychophysical Method.

Abstract

In sensory experiments (e.g., vision, audition) engineers, and experimental psychologists use psychophysical methods to collect data. A typical problem would be a study of the detection of 'pips' on a PPI radar scope. The Method of Limits (ML) and the Method of Constant Stimuli (MCS) are two psychophysical methods commonly used. In this report a description is given of a new method that incorporates the beneficial features of the ML and the MCS. Successive stimuli in a series are presented in random order. The data are treated either as data of a ML experiment or as data of a MCS experiment. The mean threshold is the same as that obtained in the ML or in the MCS. For a given number of judgments, the accuracy of the mean threshold is about the same as the accuracy obtained with the ML. The method eliminates knowledge of the order of the stimuli, and allows evaluation of time-correlated fluctuations in sensitivity. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 20, 1972
Accession Number
AD0757336

Entities

People

  • Robert M. Herrick

Organizations

  • Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Cognition
  • Detection
  • Engineers
  • Judgment
  • Sensitivity
  • Test And Evaluation

Fields of Study

  • Psychology

Readers

  • Approximation Theory.
  • Instructional Design and Training Evaluation.
  • Vision Science/Vision Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience.