Gustatory reaction time under variable stimulus parameters in human adults

Reaction times and perceived intensities for NaCl solutions were measured in sixteen human adults. Stimulus delivery was by means of a circular piece of solution-soaked filter paper held with forceps. The reaction time (T) decreased and the perceived intensity (S) increased with increasing the concentration (C) of NaCl solution applied to a fixed (78.5 mm2) tongue area. The comprehensive relations among T, S and C can be expressed by the following formula; T=a+b/log(C/Co), T=p+q/log(S/So), and logS=mlogC+logn, where a, b, p, q, m, n=constants, and So indicates the perceived intensity at the threshold concentration (Co). Meanwhile, the reaction time decreased and the perceived intensity increased with increasing the stimulated area (A) under a fixed (1.0 M) concentration of NaCl solution. The relations among T, S and A can also be expressed by the following equations; T=a'+b'/log(A/Ao), T=p'+q'/log(S/So), and logS=m'logA+logn', where a', b', p', q', m', n'=constants, and Ao indicates the threshold size of stimulated area.