The effect of aging on reaction time in auditory detection and discrimination tasks

Authors

  • S.M. Abel Hearing Res. Lab., Samuel Lunenfeld Res. Inst., Toronto, Ont., Canada
  • N.M. Armstrong Hearing Res. Lab., Samuel Lunenfeld Res. Inst., Toronto, Ont., Canada

Keywords:

hearing, psychology, reaction time, auditory detection, discrimination tasks, aging, sensory information processing, decision-making, temporal acuity, normal-hearing subjects, four-interval forced-choice procedure

Abstract

This research investigated the effect of aging on sensory information processing and decision-making. Detection thresholds in quiet and in noise and temporal acuity, and their associated choice reaction times were measured in two groups of normal-hearing subjects, differing in age. All three psychophysical tasks utilized a four-interval forced-choice procedure. The results indicated that there were no differences in duration discrimination or choice reaction time as a function of aging. However, the variability in choice reaction times was significantly greater for the older group, signifying greater heterogeneity in the time for decision-making. Erroneous responses generally took longer to make than correct responses. For the younger group, the erroneous response time increased with task complexity

Additional Files

Published

1992-12-01

How to Cite

1.
Abel S, Armstrong N. The effect of aging on reaction time in auditory detection and discrimination tasks. Canadian Acoustics [Internet]. 1992 Dec. 1 [cited 2025 Feb. 15];20(4):3-9. Available from: https://jcaa.caa-aca.ca/index.php/jcaa/article/view/745

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 4 (1992)

Section

Technical Articles

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