Abstract
Psychometric functions and psychophysical strength-duration curves were obtained with rectangular electro-cutaneous pulses. The slopes of the psychometric functions were much steeper than corresponding functions in other modalities, with the standard deviation of the distribution only about 0.08 times the threshold. Precise monitoring of stimulus current showed that physiological rather than physical variability was involved. Psychophysical strength-duration curves support the contention that large A-fibers are directly stimulated. Data from this study. as well as from comparable I × t experiments in other senses, are well-fit throughout the range of durations by rectangular hyperbolas. The period over which complete temporal summation occurs is only about 0.5 msec.
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This report is based on a portion of a dissertation submitted to the University of Pennsylvania in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Ph.D. degree. The author is deeply indebted to Burton S. Rosner for his advice and criticism throughout the study and to Jacob Nachmias for his guidance. The research was supported by United States Public Health Service Grant MH-I0848 from the National Institute of Mental Health to Burton S. Rosner.
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Rollman, G.B. Electrocutaneous stimulation: Psychometric functions and temporal integration. Perception & Psychophysics 5, 289–293 (1969). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03209565
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03209565