Children's frequency-selective detection of signals in noise1

Abstract

Five children, median age 7 years, and six adults, median age 20 years, served as Os in a task requiring the detection of auditory signals presented against a continuous background of noise. Two-alternative, temporal-forced-choice trials of 5-sec duration were presented periodically in blocks of 50 during two or three 1-h sessions. During a block, some 70% of the signals were of 1,000 Hz and approximately 30% were probe signals of a frequency other than 1,000 Hz. After only rudimentary description of the task, the children and adults performed adequately. The results from the children and adults were similar, showing differential detection as a function of signal frequency. The demonstrated frequency selection is consistent with a sensory-filter model of the O's auditory behavior. © 1970 Psychonomic Society, Inc.