On possible cues in profile analysis: identification of the incremented component.
The ability to identify the frequency of the incremented component in a multitone complex was assessed in two conditions, both using the same 11-tone complexes (fixed frequency, equilog spaced, random phases). In the standard-plus-signal complex all components had equal level, except one of the inner nine, which was incremented in level by an in-phase addition of a sinusoid of the same frequency (the signal). The overall level and signal position were randomly varied on each presentation. In the "Standard-absent" condition the standard-plus-signal complex was presented first, and it was followed by a single sinusoid either at the signal frequency or at that of an adjacent component (below or above). In the "Standard-present" condition, a complex with equal-level components (the standard complex) was also presented on each trial, either before or after the standard-plus-signal complex (in random order). These two complexes were followed by the single sinusoid. In both conditions, the subjects had to indicate whether the signal frequency was the same as or different from the frequency of the single sinusoid. In a third condition, the ability to discriminate between the standard complex and the standard-plus-signal complex (with signal frequency uncertainty) was investigated. In all three conditions, thresholds for the increment in level for each signal frequency were estimated by the use of nine independent interleaved adaptive procedures. Results showed that the ability to identify the signal frequency was at least as good as the ability to discriminate between the two complexes. The results suggest that an increase in pitch strength of the incremented component is a possible cue in profile analysis tasks.
Gockel
H
H
Department of Cognitive Psychology, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Germany. hedwig.gockel@mrcapu.cam.ac.uk
D001307:Auditory Perception; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D017603:Signal Detection, Psychological