Abstract
Textbook definitions of the psychophysical methods indicate differences of opinion among authors regarding the central issues which differentiate one method from another. Some of the disagreement among authors may be traceable to what is apparently a dichotomous approach involving an emphasis upon methods of gathering data and techniques for analyzing data. It is suggested that definitions center upon the aspects of differential sensitivity, namely, a threshold, a frequency of error, and a magnitude of error, rather than upon the ways in which the data are obtained or analyzed.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Adler
H.
(Trans.) Fechnet's ‘Elements of psychophysics.’ New York : Holt, Rinehart & Winston , 1966 .
2.
Boring
E. G.
Sensation and perception in the history of experimental psychology . New York : Appleton-Century , 1942 .
3.
Bugelski
B. R.
A first course in experimental psychology . New York : Holt, Rinehart & Winston , 1951 .
4.
Corso
J. F.
The experimental psychology of sensory behavior . New York : Holt, Rinehart & Winston , 1967 .
5.
D'Amato
M. R.
Experimental psychology . New York : McGraw-Hill , 1970 .
6.
Elmes
D.
Kantowitz
B.
, &
Roediger
H. L.
Research methods in psychology . (2nd ed. ) New York : West , 1985 .
7.
Guilford
J. P.
Psychometric methods . (2nd ed. ) New York : McGraw-Hill , 1954 .
8.
Matlin
M. W.
Human experimental psychology . Monterey, CA : Brooks/Cole , 1979 .
9.
Osgood
C. E.
Method and theory in experimental psychology . New York : Oxford Univer. Press , 1953 .
10.
Postman
L.
, &
Egan
J.
Experimental psychology . New York : Harper , 1949 .
11.
Stevens
S. S.
(Ed.) Handbook of experimental psychology . New York : Wiley , 1951 .
12.
Underwood
B.
Experimental psychology . (2nd ed. ) New York : Appleton-Century , 1966 .
13.
Woodworth
R. S.
, &
Schlosberg
H.
Experimental psychology . (2nd ed. ) New York : Holt, Rinehart & Winston , 1954 .