Abstract
The objective of the study was to examine the performance of two groups of Ss on an auditory frequency analysis task. The groups were differentiated in terms of musical training and background. Predictions based on the assumption that frequency analysis is dependent upon the critical band were derived from two synthetically produced inharmonic complex stimuli. Results indicate that nonmusicians are inferior to professional musicians in their ability to analyze complex waveforms. The results suggest that musicians possess critical bands which are rectangular in shape and approximately 20% narrower in width than published values.
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This study is based on a portion of a dissertation submitted to the Graduate School, Vanderbilt University, in partial fulfillment of requirements for the PhD degree in psychology. A paper based on this study was read at the Southeastern Psychological Association meeting, 1969.
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Soderquist, D.R. Frequency analysis and the critical band. Psychon Sci 21, 117–119 (1970). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03335794
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03335794