Bruce G. Berg
Dept. of Cognitive Sci., Univ. of California, Irvine, CA 92717
Recently developed analytic techniques, aptly described as molecular psychophysics, are used to provide a detailed, quantitative description of performance in auditory profile tasks. These techniques consist of a trial-by-trial analysis of the relationship between the stimulus and a listener's response. One application is used to estimate weights associated with each spectral component of a complex sound (e.g., spectral profile). Another application is used to estimate the inherent variability, or internal noise, of the listener. Estimates of spectral weights and internal noise are consolidated in a model that is completely determined by the data (no free parameters). Results are consistently within 2 dB of listeners' observed thresholds. The model is applied to the data from several profile discrimination experiments, including the use of narrow band, wideband, and rippled spectra. [Work supported by ONR.]