Pure‐tone intensity discrimination as a function of frequency, level, and duration

Reports on intensity discrimination as a function of duration typically describe performance at only one or two low frequencies. Henning (1970), however, provided intensity‐discrimination data as a function of signal duration for 85 dB SPL tone bursts from 250 to 8000 Hz. As stimulus duration decreased, Henning found the intensity difference limen increased more rapidly for low‐frequency, than for high‐frequency tone bursts. Intensity‐discrimination data for relatively long‐duration signals (⩾100 ms) show no effect of frequency (Jesteadt et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 61, 169 (1977)]. An attempt was made to resolve this discrepancy by replicating and extending Henning's experiments. Intensity difference limens were obtained with 250‐, 1000‐, and 4000‐Hz digitized sinusolds at durations from 4 to 256 ms. Adaptive and constant‐stimulus, 2IFC psychophysical procedures were used and signals were presented at several intensity levels. The results are compared with the predictions of some relevant models of intens...