A man has trouble hearing and is being tested for a hearing aid. He is presented with tones of various intensities and is asked to indicate whenever he detects a sound. This procedure is most similar to that used by researchers who study:
A) absolute thresholds.
B) response biases.
C) the just noticeable difference.
D) difference thresholds.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The procedure described is used to measure the lowest level of intensity at which an individual can detect a stimulus (in this case, sound), which is known as the absolute threshold. Researchers who study absolute thresholds typically use this method. Choice B (response biases) and C (just noticeable difference) refer to different concepts in perception research and are not directly related to the procedure described. Choice D (difference thresholds) is somewhat related, as it refers to the smallest detectable difference between two stimuli, but it is not the best choice as it doesn't specifically match the procedure described in the question.

A Man Has Trouble Hearing and Is Being Tested for a Hearing