Maximum rates of form perception and the alpha rhythm: an investigation and test of current nerve net theory.

Abstract

Using a General Radio Strobotac (type 613-B) to expose and measure rate of exposure, subjects possessing different alpha rhythms are shown to display different perceptual thresholds for stimuli having spatial and temporal (forms separated in time) aspects. The relation between the perceptual performances and the alpha rhythms possessed by particular individuals is a complex one. It has the appearance that would be expected from equations of the second order but can also be considered as a linear function of the difference between alpha frequency and the constant 10.3. This constant was reported first by Granit and Therman in their work with electroretinograms so that one is probably justified in assuming an independent retinal rhythm.