Low-intensity auditory stimulation and the GSR orienting response

Abstract

Sokolov’s prediction of enhanced orienting response (OR) magnitude produced by stimulus intensities below about 50 dB was tested by essentially replicating his within-subjects paradigm with the GSR. Twenty-four subjects were tested with 20, 30, 40, and 50 dB SPL 1,000-Hz 2-sec tones of minimal significance with a unique order of tone presentation for each subject. A linear relation between GSR magnitude and stimulus intensity was obtained, contrary to Sokolov’s prediction. Habituation over eight stimulus cycles was obtained, as required of an OR indicator. © 1975, Psychonomic Society, Inc.. All rights reserved.