PSYC 3270 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Basilar Membrane, Cochlear Implant, Detection Theory

• School: York University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 3270
• Professor: Laurie Wilcox

Document Summary

Idealized (abrupt detection at threshold) vs actual (sigmoidal curve near threshold) Measuring perception: phenomenological approach: ask to describe experience, poor control of stimulus, cannot repeat, introspective reports aren"t reliable. Method of adjustment: adjust stimulus intensity until barely detectable: fastest, easiest for observer, but open to bias. Method of constant stimuli: stimuli of differing intensity in random order, and seeing which ones are always/never/sometimes detected. Weber"s law: dl (threshold)/s(standard stimulus) = k (weber fraction: stated by fechner based on weber"s work. Response compression: increasing intensity does not increase perceived magnitude as much, seen in light perception. Response expansion: increasing intensity increases perceived magnitude much more, seen in electric shock. Steven"s power law: p (magnitude) = k (constant)s(stimulus intensity)n: take log -> straight lines with slope = n, response criterion: how an observer chooses to response, low = say yes easier. Assumed that rt was additive (not true, rt are very complicated)