The Effects of Bimodal Presentation of Stimuli and Noise on Target Detection
Abstract
Twenty men are presented background noise and target stimuli in either the visual or auditory modality, or in both at once. Auditory and visual detection thresholds were lowest when functionally redundant targets were presented simultaneously in both modalities. It appeared that two redundant signals collectively improved sensitivity and reduced uncertainty regarding a choice response, thus enabling a reduction in detection threshold. Detection threshold to a single target was not negatively affected when attention was divided between two modalities and noise presented in both. The finding of improved detection in each modality of the bimodal condition is consistent with the coactivation explanation of bimodal facilitation and supports the advantage of a bimodal input approach in tasks such as sonar, radar, and air traffic control.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA160122
Entities
People
- D. A. Kobus
- L. J. Lewandowski
Organizations
- Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory