Reaction time as an indicator of access to frequency-resolved information

Response times, measured as a simple reaction time (RT), to tones in a notch-noise background vary systematically with the notch width. As notch width increases so RT decreases. The slope of decrease of RT with notch width is a function of the sensation level (SL) at which the tone is presented above threshold in broad-band noise, particularly of narrow notch widths. The function is interpreted as reflecting both frequency resolution and the increase in partial loudness of the tone as notch width increases.