APPLICATION OF A "RELATIVE" PROCEDURE TO A PROBLEM IN BINAURAL BEAT PERCEPTION. REP 63-17.

Abstract

The existence of binaural beats has long been considered an indication of binaural interaction for timing and for periodicity information. In the past, bilaterally matched sound‐pressure or sensation levels have been used in the investigation of these beats, and the measuring technique was one that may be termed “absolute.” However, the present study, in investigating with a “relative” technique the limits of dichotic intensity which permit binaural beats, shows that listeners respond to the presence of beats whenever the tones to both ears are above threshold. It is suggested that this new result fits more neatly into current theoretical formulations. The frequencies investigated ranged from 100 to 2000 cps. As other authors have previously reported, the best performance occurred in the 400‐ to 600‐cps range. The present findings strengthen the case for an auditory nervous system with timing channels independent of other transmission lines and, thereby, also have implications for pitch theory.