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Related Experiment Videos

Perceived intensity effects in the octave illusion.

Ranil R Sonnadara1, Laurel J Trainor

  • 1McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Perception & Psychophysics
|September 2, 2005
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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The octave illusion, known for pitch and location, also involves perceived loudness. This study found loudness differences depend on stimulus order and timing, revealing a new dimension to this auditory phenomenon.

Area of Science:

  • Auditory perception research
  • Psychoacoustics
  • Auditory illusions

Background:

  • The octave illusion, first described by Deutsch (1974), is a paradoxical auditory phenomenon.
  • Traditionally, the illusion has been characterized by its effects on perceived pitch and spatial location.
  • Previous research has not extensively explored the intensity or loudness aspects of the octave illusion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the existence and characteristics of an intensity aspect to the octave illusion.
  • To determine if perceived loudness differs between the octave illusion stimulus (ILLU) and its consistent percept (IC).
  • To explore the influence of stimulus order, temporal interval, and tonal pattern on the loudness difference.

Main Methods:

  • Participants directly compared the ILLU stimulus with an IC stimulus.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Perceived loudness was assessed in experiments varying the order of ILLU and IC presentation.
  • The role of alternating high and low tones between ears and stimulus interval duration was examined.

    • Main Results:

    • Participants could easily distinguish between the ILLU and IC stimuli.
    • A significant difference in perceived loudness between ILLU and IC was observed when IC followed ILLU, but not vice versa.
    • This loudness difference was dependent on the alternating pattern of tones and diminished with a larger interval between stimuli.

    Conclusions:

    • The octave illusion possesses an intensity or loudness dimension previously unrecognized.
    • The perceived loudness difference is context-dependent, influenced by stimulus sequencing and temporal factors.
    • Findings suggest a more complex interplay of auditory features in the octave illusion than previously understood.