A new methodology is proposed to investigate information processing of complex, auditory patterns by normal-hearing listeners. In this procedure, each auditory pattern represents a randomly selected sample of values of some acoustic parameter. In a simple case, for example, the patterns might be tone sequences with randomly selected frequencies. The listeners task is to discriminate target from nontarget patterns based on a average difference in the values of the sampled parameter. By definition, the uncertainty associated with the random variation in patterns is a source of information. The listener must process this information in order to perform the sample-discrimination. Sample-discrimination experiments are proposed for a variety of auditory patterns of increasing complexity. Listener performance is expressed relative to that of a theoretical ideal observer to permit comparisons across experiments. Also, trial-by-trial analyses are proposed to provide tests of specific hypotheses regarding how listeners utilize the information in these patterns. The results of these analyses will allow answers to questions regarding how the detection and discrimination of complex auditory patterns is affected by information processing capacity, information weighting, and interference both within and across stimulus dimensions. As a long term goal of the project, experimental results will be used to develop a computational model for determining how best to package the acoustic information in patterns so as to maximize information transmission.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DC001262-04
Application #
2126381
Study Section
Hearing Research Study Section (HAR)
Project Start
1991-07-01
Project End
1995-06-30
Budget Start
1994-07-01
Budget End
1995-06-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
1994
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Wisconsin Madison
Department
Pediatrics
Type
Other Domestic Higher Education
DUNS #
161202122
City
Madison
State
WI
Country
United States
Zip Code
53715
Gilbertson, Lynn R; Lutfi, Robert A; Ellis Weismer, Susan (2017) Auditory preference of children with autism spectrum disorders. Cogn Process 18:205-209
Chang, An-Chieh; Lutfi, Robert; Lee, Jungmee et al. (2016) A Detection-Theoretic Analysis of Auditory Streaming and Its Relation to Auditory Masking. Trends Hear 20:
Lee, Jungmee; Heo, Inseok; Chang, An-Chieh et al. (2016) Individual Differences in Behavioural Decision Weights Related to Irregularities in Cochlear Mechanics. Adv Exp Med Biol 894:457-465
Chang, An-Chieh; Lutfi, Robert A; Lee, Jungmee (2015) Auditory streaming of tones of uncertain frequency, level, and duration. J Acoust Soc Am 138:EL504-8
Gilbertson, Lynn; Lutfi, Robert A; Lee, Jungmee (2015) Estimates of decision weights and internal noise in the masked discrimination of vowels by young and elderly adults. J Acoust Soc Am 137:EL403-7
Gilbertson, Lynn; Lutfi, Robert A (2014) Correlations of decision weights and cognitive function for the masked discrimination of vowels by young and old adults. Hear Res 317:9-14
Chang, An-Chieh; Lutfi, Robert (2013) Effect of frequency variation and covariation on auditory streaming of tone sequences. J Acoust Soc Am 134:4231
Lutfi, Robert A; Gilbertson, Lynn; Heo, Inseok et al. (2013) The information-divergence hypothesis of informational masking. J Acoust Soc Am 134:2160-70
Lutfi, Robert A; Liu, Ching-Ju; Stoelinga, Christophe N J (2013) A new approach to sound source segregation. Adv Exp Med Biol 787:203-11
Lutfi, Robert (2013) Auditory informational masking and the Ear Club connection. J Acoust Soc Am 134:4163

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