Abstract
The use of Signal Detection Theory has demonstrated that there is not an auditory threshold at the level supposed by classical psychophysics, but has not disproved the existence of an auditory threshold at a lower level. Following the recommended signal detection theory procedure fairly closely, an experiment obtained evidence either of the existence of a signal-to-noise ratio audi tory threshold, or a nonlinear relationship between stimulus and response which could not be statistically distiguished from such a threshold , Using the same apparatus and subjects, audi tory thresholds were also obtained using the classical method of limits. The acoustic pressure for the classical thresholds was about five times as great as for the signal detection theory method.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Corso, J.F. (1963). A theoretico-historical review of the threshold concept. Psychological Bulletin, 60, 356–370.
Engen, T. (1971). Discrimination and detection. In J.W. Kling & L.A. Riggs (eds.), Woodworth and Schlosberg's Experimental Psychology. London: Wethuen.
Fletcher, H. (1953). Speech and Hearing in Communication. New York: Van Nostrand.
Green, D.M. (1976). An Introduction to Hearing. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.
Green, D.M. & Swets, J.A. (1966). Signal Detection Theory and Psychophysics. New York: WHey.
Hawkins, J.E. & Stevens, S.S. (1950). The masking of pure tones and speech by white noise. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 22, 6–13.
Kerlinger, F.N. & Pedhazur, E.J. (1973). Multiple Regression in Behavioural Research. New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston.
Lathi, B.P. (1968). Introduction to Random Signals and Communication Theory. London: Intertext.
Norman, D.A. (1963). Sensory thresholds and response bias. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 35, 1432–1441.
Peterson, A.P.G. & Gross, E.E. (1972). Handbook of Noise Measurement. 7th edition. Concord, MA: General Radio Co.
Schwartz, M. (1970). Information Transrnlssion, Modulation, and Noise. 2nd edition. Tokyo: McGraw-Kogakusha.
Swets, J.A. (ed.) (1964). Signal Detection and Recognition by Human Observers. New York: Wiley.
Swets, J.A., Tanner, W.P. & Birdsall, T.G. (1961). Decision processes in detection. Psychological Review, 68, 301–340.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Holdstock, L.J. Auditory threshold, signal-to-noise ratio and signal detection theory. Current Psychological Research 2, 129–138 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03186753
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03186753