Stimulus Sensitivity and Stimulus Intensity Control

Abstract

Previous research had suggested a relationship between averaged cortical evoked response (AER) characteristics and the perception of stimulus intensity. In this study a systematic relationship was hypothesized between AER characteristics and performance on traditional sensory threshold procedures. Averaged evoked responses to light flashes and performances on a battery of psychophysical tasks were measured in 20 normal volunteers. Ss with one AER pattern were sensitive to low-intensity stimulation; Ss with another AER pattern exhibited the opposite response tendency. These findings were interpreted in terms of a theoretical construct regarding a stimulus-intensity control mechanism in the central nervous system.