Error patterns in delayed pitch comparison as a function of relational context.

Abstract

Describes 2 experiments with a total of 31 undergraduates. Ss made delayed pitch comparisons when the tones to be compared were accompanied by tones of lower pitch. Results show that the pitches of these accompanying tones were chosen so that in some conditions the intervals formed by the standard and comparison combinations were identical, and in others they differed. This was true both when the standard and comparison tone pitches differed and also when these were identical. Although Ss were instructed to attend only to the standard and comparison tones, a substantial effect of relational context was manifested. When the standard and comparison tones differed, but were in an equivalent relational context, an increased tendency for their pitches to be judged as identical resulted. When the standard and comparison tones were identical, but were in different relational contexts, an increased tendency for their pitches to be judged as different resulted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)