Abstract
Human Ss matched an auditory and a visual stimulus for subjective magnitude. Then each stimulus was used as a cue in a reaction time task. On occasions when both stimuli were presented simultaneously, Ss’ responding was seen to be dominated by the visual stimulus. Of further interest was the finding that on some occasions of simultaneous light-tone presentation Ss were unaware that the tone had been presented. This apparent prepotency of the visual over the auditory stimulus was seen to persist across a variety of experimental conditions, which included giving Ss verbal instructions to respond to the tone when both stimuli were presented simultaneously.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Ades.H. W. Midbrain auditory mechanisms in cats.Journal of Neurophysiology, 1944,7, 415–424.
Broadbent, D. E.Perception and communication. London: Pergamon Press, 1958.
Jane, J. A., Masterton R. B., &Diamond, I. T. The function of the tectum for attention to auditory stimuli in the cat.Journal of Comparative Neurology, 1965,125, 165–192.
Kohfeld, D. L. Effects of ready-signal intensity and intensity of the preceding response-signal on simple reaction time.American Journal of Psychology, 1969a,82, 104–110.
Kohfeld, D. L. Effects of intensity of auditory and visual ready signals on simple reaction time.Journal of Experimental Psychology, 1969b, 82, 88–95.
Mowbray, G. H. The perception of short phrases presented simultaneously for visual and auditory reception.Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 1954,6, 86–92.
Poulton, E. C. Two-channel listening.Journal of Experimental Psychology, 1953.46, 91–96.
Stevens, S. S. On the operation known as judgment.American Scientist, 1960,54, 385–401.
Woodworth, R. S., &Schlosberg, H.Experimental psychology. New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston: 1965.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
This research was supported by U.5. Public Service Grant NS09027-03 from the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Colavita, F.B. Human sensory dominance. Perception & Psychophysics 16, 409–412 (1974). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03203962
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03203962