A computer program for estimating thresholds by means of Wetherill's Up-Down Transformed Response Rule (UDTR)

Area of Science:

• Psychophysics
• Computational Statistics
• Experimental Psychology

Background:

• Estimating thresholds on psychometric curves is crucial for understanding sensory perception.
• Traditional methods can be time-consuming and less efficient.
• The Up-Down Transformed Response Rule (UDTR) offers a more efficient approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a Fortran IV computer program for automatic threshold estimation.
• To implement Wetherill's Up-Down Transformed Response Rule (UDTR) for S-shaped psychometric curves.
• To provide a user-friendly and efficient tool for psychophysical research.

Main Methods:

• Development of a Fortran IV program incorporating UDTR.
• The program features a main routine and a detachable decision-making subroutine.
• The subroutine requires a single call with seven parameters for operation.

Main Results:

• The program allows for automatic and efficient estimation of thresholds.
• Discussion and illustration of the efficiency and asymptotic properties of UDTR rules.
• The program is particularly well-suited for forced-choice experimental designs.

Conclusions:

• The presented Fortran IV program offers an efficient method for threshold estimation using UDTR.
• The program's design facilitates ease of use and integration into various research settings.
• This tool is valuable for researchers employing forced-choice procedures in psychophysics.