Preliminary evaluation of a two-interval, two-alternative infant behavioral testing procedure

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of an observer-based, two-interval forced-choice infant psychophysical testing procedure. Ten of 11 infants (7–9 months of age) achieved a criterion of 80%-correct detection of a 50-dB sound pressure level noise band in a single testing session. Fewer trials were needed to reach criterion using the two-interval procedure than previously reported for the single-interval observer-based psychophysical procedure [Olsho, Koch, Halpin, and Carter (1987). Devel. Psychol. 23, 627–640]. These results provide preliminary evidence that the two-interval procedure is feasible and efficient while controlling for observer and listener response bias.