Computer Systems Control of Delayed Auditory Feedback

Abstract

This research has achieved a new type of systems design for experimental analysis of different levels of both behavioral organization and physiological interaction related to environmental adaptation. A digital computer system with suitable animal-machine, input-output interface instrumentation has been arranged to provide systematic experimental programming of output feedback data, recording of behavioral and physiological performance related to time, space, and kinetic displacement of feedback, and computation of critical systems parameters. The present study constitutes a preliminary evaluation of the system's design and application to analysis of delayed sensory feedback in speech. The general method extends and refines the analysis of behavioral and physiological organization by means of study of delayed and space-displaced sensory effects of response. Delayed speech feedback was chosen for study because it represents a limiting sector for computer sampling of analog psychophysiological variation. The question has been whether speech of acceptable fidelity could be sampled, stored, and transmitted as conventionalized speech signals. Results show that acceptable computer-sampled and delayed speech feedback can be obtained. Blocking of syllables and slowing of speech with delay intervals of .1 to .2 sec. have been observed in seven Ss. In addition, it has been found that the computer can be used for numerous other special time displacements of speech feedback. Selected time samples of speaking can be inverted. “Computer stuttering” simulating syllable repetition in real stuttering can be produced. The evidence is that the system's concepts and method are valid and that it has unlimited capability for a new type of systems study of all levels and properties of biological and behavioral organization.