Empirical and Theoretical Studies of Psychophysical Phenomena.

摘要

This project is an extensive exploration of ratio scales of subjective measures on the basis of an empirically tested theory of fundamental psychophysical measurement, mimicking classical, static physical approach to measurement. The theory has been favorably evaluated in loudness, brightness, and perceived contrast. The theory, formulated for binary senses, is extended to unary senses, giving a complete theory for intensive dimensions. Cross-modal and dimensional predictions have been developed to answer questions such as: to what degree are all subjective intensities a special cases of a single ratio scale of subjective intensity. How do binary and unary dimension relate. A commutativity property extends to asking whether a single ratio scale obtains when a stimulus varies on more than one dimension. Data support a single ratio scale of loudness/brightness when pitch/hue is varied. Various implications of the behavioral theory have been have been derived. Among the areas studied are the time-order error, regression effect, Torgerson's conjecture. The theory, based on a theory of magnitude productions, is extended to ratings.