City Research Online

Abstract

In forced-choice detection, incorrect responses are routinely ascribed to internal noise, because experienced psychophysical observers do not act as if they have a sensory threshold, below which all perceived intensities would be identical. To determine whether inexperienced observers have sensory thresholds, we examined psychometric functions (percent correct vs log contrast) for detection and detection in full-field, dynamic visual noise. Over 5 days, neither type of psychometric function changed shape, but both shifted leftwards, indicating increased sensitivity. These results are not consistent with a lowered sensory threshold, which would decrease psychometric slope. They are consistent with a combination of reduced internal additive noise and improved filtering of external noise.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2017 Optical Society of America. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic reproduction and distribution, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modifications of the content of this paper are prohibited.
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Optometry & Visual Sciences
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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