Summary
Data from classical experiments show clearly that differential sensitivity for somesthetic pressure varies inversely with the applied weight when the stimulating area is constant. Data from the experiments reported in the present paper, however, demonstrate that, for mechanical pressure as parameter (= 6 gm./cm.2) and area as variant, differential sensitivity varies directly with the applied weight. These results are shown to be consistent with a neurophysiological theory of differential sensitivity.
Similar content being viewed by others
Bibliography
Boring, E. G., Langfeld, H. S., Weld, H. P., et al, Psychology : a factual text-book. N. Y.: Wiley, 1935. Pp. xviii + 555 (Chapters 5 and 8).
Bush, A. D., and Austin, A. M., Weber’s Law as tested by flowing increments, Amer. J. Psychol., 1924, 35, 230–234.
Churcher, B. G., King, A. J., and Davies, H., The minimum perceptible change of intensity of a pure tone, Phil. Mag., 1934, 18, 7th series, 927–939.
Cobb, P. W., and Moss, F. K., The four variables of the visual threshold, J. Franklin Inst., 1928, 205, 831–847.
Crozier, W. J., On the sensory discrimination of intensities, Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., 1936, 22, 412–416.
Crozier, W. J., and Holway, A. H., On the law for minimal discrimination of intensities. I., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., 1937, 23, 23–28.
Dimmick, F. L., The dependence of auditory experience upon wave amplitude, Amer. J. Psychol., 1933, 45, 463–470.
Gatti, A., and Dodge, R., Ueber die Unterschiedsempfindlichkeit bei Reizung eines einzelnen, isolierten Tastorgans, Arch. f. d. ges. Psychol., 1929, 69, 405–426.
Heinz, M., and Lippay, F., Ueber die Beziehungen zwischen den Unterschiedsempfindlichkeit und der Zahl der erregten Sinneselemente. I. Arch. ges. Physiol., 1928, 218, 437–447.
Hering, E., Zur Lehre von der Beziehung zwischen Leib und Seele. I. Mittheilung. Ueber Fechner’s psychophysisches Gesetz, Sitzgsber. d. kaiserl. Akad. d. Wissen. Math. Natur. Classe, 1875, 72 (Bd. 3), 310–348.
Holway, A. H., and Hurvich, L. M., On the discrimination of minimal differences in weight: I. A theory of differential sensitivity, J. Psychol., 1937, 4, 309–332.
Holway, A. H., Smith, J. E., and Zigler, M. J., On the discrimination of minimal differences in weight: II. Number of available elements as variant, J. Exper. Psychol., 1937, 20, 371–380.
Holway, A. H., and Hurvich, L. M., Differential sensitivity to white light, J. Gen. Psychol. (in press).
Holway, A. H., and Crozier, W. J., On the law for minimal discrimination of intensities. II. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., 1937 (in press).
Holway, A. H., and Crozier, W. J., The significance of area for somesthetic differential sensitivity to pressure, Pcychol. Rec., 1937 (in press).
Lasareff, P., Studien ueber das Weber-Fechner’sche Gesetz. Einfluss der Grosse des Gesichtsfeldes auf den Schwellenwert der Gesichtsempfindung, Arch. f. d. ges. Physiol., 1911, 142, 235–240.
Schriever, H., Ueber die Gultigkeit des Weberschen Gesetzes im Gebiete des Druckinns bei Moglichst verhinter Reizausbreitung, Arch. f. d. ges. Psychol., 1925, 51, 137–154.
Steinhardt, J., ΔI/I for human intensity discrimination, J. Gen. Physiol., 1936, 20, 185.
Stratton, G. M., Ueber die Wahrnehmung von Druckänderungen bei verschiedenen Geschwindigkeiten, Philos, Stud., 1896, 12, 525–586.
Thouless, R. H., reported in: Houstoun, R. A., Vision and Colour Vision, London: Longmans, Green and Co., 1932. Pp. vii + 238, esp. pp. 35 ff.
Upton, M., and Holway, A. H., On the psychophysics of hearing: I. Monaural differential sensitivity and exposure-time, Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., 1937, 23, 29–32.
Upton, M., and Holway, A. H., On the psychophysics of hearing: II. Binaural differential sensitivity and exposure-time, Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., 1937, 23, 32–34.
Weber, E. H., Annot. anat. et physiol., Leipzig: Koehler, F. C., 1834. Pp. xv + 258.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Manuscript recommended for publication by Dr. J. R. Kantor, June 23, 1937.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Holway, A.H., Crozier, W.J. Differential sensitivity for somesthetic pressure. Psychol Rec 1, 170–176 (1937). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393197
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393197