Abstract
Detection thresholds for seilen odorants were measured under conditions of rest and exercise. The test panel comprised six males with previous experience in odor detection. Exercise was maintained constant by using a modified bicycle positioned within the context of an air-dilution olfactometer. The effects of exercise were idiosyncratic for Ss: odor sensitivity was increased in some Ss, decreased in some, and not changed in others. Results of these experiments are discussed in terms of intra-subject variance within sessions and from session to session. In addition, two test techniques—one a fixed series and the other a tracking procedure—were evaluated for rapid estimation of an odor threshold. The tracking procedure facilitated prompt detection of changes in sensitivity for individual Ss.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Amoore, J. E. Specific anosmias and primary odors. In N. Tanyolac (Ed.),Theories of odor and odor measurement. In press.
Benjamin, R. M., Halpem, B. P., Moulton, D. G., &Mozell, M. M. The chemical senses.Ann. Rev. Psychol., 1965, 16, 381–416.
Finney, D. J.Probit analysis (2nd ed.). Cambridge, Mass.: University Press, 1962.
Guilford, J. P.Psychometric methods (2nd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill, 1954.
Laffort, P. Essai de standardisation des seuils olfactifs humains pour 192 corps purs.Arch. Sci. Physiol, 1963, 17, 75–105.
Ough, C. S., &Stone, H. An olfactometer for rapid and critical odor measurement.J. Food Sci., 1961, 26, 452–456.
Schneider, R. A., &Wolf, S. Relation of olfactory acuity to nasal membrane function.J. appl. Physiol, 1960, 15, 914–920.
Stone, H. Determination of odor difference limens for three compounds.J. exp. Psychol., 1963, 66, 466–473.
Stone, H. Factors influencing the behavioral response to odor discrimination—a review.J. Food Sci., 1966, 31, 784–790.
Stone, H., &Bosley, J. J. Olfactory discrimination and Weber’s law.Percept, mot. Skills, 1965, 20, 657–665.
Stone, H., Ough, C. S., &Pangborn, R. M. Determination of odor difference thresholds.J. Food Sci., 1962, 27, 197–202.
Wenzel, B. M., &Sieck, M. H. Olfaction.Ann. Rev. Physiol, 1966, 28, 381–434.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
The work reported in this paper was supported by the Detection Research Branch of the U.S. Army Edgewood Arsenal, under Contract DA 18-035-AMC-738(A) with Stanford Research Institute. The authors would like to thank Mr. Robert Dehn for synthesis and purification of the odorants, the panel for their cooperation in this phase of the research, and Dr. Leon Otis for his helpful review of the manuscript.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Stone, H., Pryor, G. & Colwell, J. Olfactory detection thresholds in man under conditions of rest and exercise. Perception & Psychophysics 2, 167–170 (1967). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03210313
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03210313