Jove
Visualize
Contact Us

Related Concept Videos

Laws of Logarithms I01:30

Laws of Logarithms I

Logarithms are fundamental mathematical operations that serve as the inverse of exponentiation. They provide a means to express how many times a base must be raised to yield a given number. For base 10, often referred to as the common logarithm, the notation is written simply as log. Thus, if 10n = x, then log⁡(x) = n. This relationship makes logarithms especially valuable in simplifying complex calculations involving multiplication, division, and exponentiation.Logarithmic expressions are...
Laws of Logarithms II01:28

Laws of Logarithms II

Logarithmic laws provide essential tools for simplifying and evaluating exponential expressions, particularly in mathematical and applied settings where powers and repeated multiplication play a central role. Two important rules are the power law and the change-of-base formula, both allowing for transforming expressions into more manageable forms.The power law of logarithms states that the logarithm of a number raised to an exponent equals the exponent multiplied by the logarithm of the base...
Derivatives of Logarithmic Functions01:22

Derivatives of Logarithmic Functions

Logarithmic and Exponential RelationshipA logarithmic function is the inverse of an exponential function. If y = logb x then, it can be rewritten as by = x. This relationship allows for implicit differentiation, making logarithmic functions useful in calculus. Logarithmic scales are widely used to represent data that span multiple orders of magnitude, such as earthquake magnitudes (Richter scale) and sound intensity (decibels).Differentiation of Logarithmic FunctionsTo differentiate y = logb x,...
Types of Functions III01:28

Types of Functions III

Logarithmic and piecewise functions play central roles in mathematical modeling, particularly when capturing nonlinear or segmented behaviors in real-world phenomena. Although these functions differ fundamentally in structure and application, both serve to represent complex relationships in simplified mathematical terms.A logarithmic function is defined as the inverse of an exponential function, expressed as These functions grow quickly for small values of x but slow down as x increases,...
Applications of Logarithms01:28

Applications of Logarithms

Logarithmic functions are powerful tools for simplifying the mathematical representation of phenomena involving exponential changes. Their ability to convert multiplicative relationships into additive ones is especially valuable in various scientific and engineering contexts. One notable application of logarithms is measuring sound intensity, specifically through the decibel (dB) scale used in acoustics.Sound intensity levels vary over an extensive range, from the faintest audible whisper to...
Basic signals of Fourier Transform01:07

Basic signals of Fourier Transform

The Fourier Transform is a pivotal mathematical tool in signal processing, enabling the transformation of time-domain signals into their frequency-domain representations. Among the numerous elements within this domain, certain functions like the sinc function, delta function, and exponential signals hold significant importance due to their unique properties and implications.
The sinc function, defined as sinc(x) = sin(πx)/(πx), is particularly notable for its symmetry and behavior at zero. It...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Autocorrelation in category judgement.

Quarterly journal of experimental psychology (2006)·2023
Same author

The repetition of errors in recall: a review of four 'fragmentation' experiments.

Psychological research·2022
Same author

Nonlinearity that enables the perception of counterphase flicker.

Journal of the Optical Society of America. A, Optics, image science, and vision·2022
Same author

Forgetting tracked by recognition of pictures.

Quarterly journal of experimental psychology (2006)·2021
Same author

Recall of advertisements after various lapses of time.

Psychological research·2020
Same author

Visual adaptation--a reinterpretation: discussion.

Journal of the Optical Society of America. A, Optics, image science, and vision·2013
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

A Simple Stimulatory Device for Evoking Point-like Tactile Stimuli: A Searchlight for LFP to Spike Transitions
07:34

A Simple Stimulatory Device for Evoking Point-like Tactile Stimuli: A Searchlight for LFP to Spike Transitions

Published on: March 25, 2014

Fechner's law: where does the log transform come from?

Donald Laming1

  • 1University of Cambridge, Department of Experimental Psychology, Cambridge, England. drjl@hermes.cam.ac.uk

Seeing and Perceiving
|June 17, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Fechner's law accurately models sensory discrimination using a logarithmic transform, but it doesn't measure internal sensation. Alternative models, like the chi-squared model, offer similar accuracy for understanding stimulus perception.

Area of Science:

  • Psychophysics
  • Sensory Perception
  • Mathematical Psychology

Background:

  • Fechner's law, established 150 years ago, relates physical stimuli to perceived intensity.
  • The law is often interpreted within signal-detection theory (SDT).
  • Weber's law describes the relationship between stimulus change and just-noticeable difference.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To re-evaluate Fechner's law in light of modern psychophysical models.
  • To assess whether Fechner's law accurately measures internal sensation.
  • To explore alternative mathematical models for sensory discrimination.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of Fechner's law in conjunction with the normal, equal variance, signal-detection model.
  • Comparison with a chi-squared (χ²) model where stimuli are scaled by physical magnitude.

More Related Videos

Lens-free Video Microscopy for the Dynamic and Quantitative Analysis of Adherent Cell Culture
09:04

Lens-free Video Microscopy for the Dynamic and Quantitative Analysis of Adherent Cell Culture

Published on: February 23, 2018

Age-dependent Dynamics of Locomotion in Caenorhabditis elegans: A Lyapunov Exponent Analysis
06:44

Age-dependent Dynamics of Locomotion in Caenorhabditis elegans: A Lyapunov Exponent Analysis

Published on: September 23, 2025

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 12, 2026

A Simple Stimulatory Device for Evoking Point-like Tactile Stimuli: A Searchlight for LFP to Spike Transitions
07:34

A Simple Stimulatory Device for Evoking Point-like Tactile Stimuli: A Searchlight for LFP to Spike Transitions

Published on: March 25, 2014

Lens-free Video Microscopy for the Dynamic and Quantitative Analysis of Adherent Cell Culture
09:04

Lens-free Video Microscopy for the Dynamic and Quantitative Analysis of Adherent Cell Culture

Published on: February 23, 2018

Age-dependent Dynamics of Locomotion in Caenorhabditis elegans: A Lyapunov Exponent Analysis
06:44

Age-dependent Dynamics of Locomotion in Caenorhabditis elegans: A Lyapunov Exponent Analysis

Published on: September 23, 2025

  • Theoretical examination of the mathematical properties of logarithmic transforms and chi-squared distributions.
  • Main Results:

    • Fechner's law, combined with SDT, accurately models discriminations between stimuli.
    • The logarithmic transform in Fechner's law models Weber's law.
    • A chi-squared model provides an equally accurate account of sensory discrimination.
    • The logarithmic transform of Fechner's law approximates normality due to the properties of chi-squared variables.

    Conclusions:

    • Fechner's law, while useful for modeling discrimination, is not a direct measure of internal sensation.
    • The chi-squared model offers a viable alternative for understanding sensory scaling.
    • A general theory of sensory discrimination can accommodate these findings.