Absolute Threshold

PSY 3203 - Perception Appalachian State University

Method of Limits
A range of stimuli are selected, from below threshold
to above threshold.

The stimuli are ordered and presented in a sequence
that corresponds to either an ascending or
descending series of the amount of the physical
dimension under investigation.

Forced Choice: The observer is to judge only whether
the stimulus was detected (Yes) or not detected (No).

The trial is ended when there is a transition.
Method of Limits
The observer will need to make many judgments over several
repetitions of the ascending and descending series.

The psychophysical function is created in the following fashion:

X-axis contains the information about the physical dimension.
Stimuli are ordered from less to more.
Interval size reflects size of increment from stimulus to stimulus.

Y-axis contains the information about the observers judgment of
the experience.
Responses are reported as Percent(Yes).
Scale goes from 0.00 (0%) to 1.0 (100 %)
Lets try an example
The following slide contains a series of music icons.

Clicking on an icon will cause a 2-second tone to be
played.

You should record Y if you hear the tone and N if you
do not hear the tone.

The number on the icon indicates the amount of
volume.

Each increment in number is an equal increment in
volume.

Lets try an example
First, the speaker volume will be adjusted so that the
range of stimuli goes from inaudible to audible.

Second, you will make judgments with ascending and
descending series.

Third, we will compute the psychophysical function
and discuss the location of the absolute threshold.

The Stimuli
15 7
14 6
13 5
12 4
11 3
10 2
9 1
8
Method of Constant Stimuli
A range of stimuli are selected, from below threshold
to above threshold.

The stimuli are ordered and presented in a
randomized series of the amount of the physical
dimension under investigation.

Forced Choice: The observer is to judge only whether
the stimulus was detected (Yes) or not detected (No).

Method of Constant Stimuli
13 15
7 6
4 11
10 14
5 3
12 2
1 9
8
Method of Adjustment
Observer makes adjustment to stimulus source until
threshold is achieved.

A production method. (more Behavioral?)

Method works very quickly.

Greater variability hence less accuracy.

Staircase Method
Presents and notes response (Yes or No)

If No then increase stimulus intensity on next trial.

If Yes then decrease stimulus intensity on next trial.

Direction of change is reversed when answer
changes.