An ideal observer approach to temporal auditory masking and speech intelligibility
Abstract
The ability of the auditory periphery to explain temporal auditory masking was investigated. The behavioral predictions of three different models of the auditory periphery were tested using an ideal observer approach. Data from two experiments as well as previous experimental results provided tests for the models. The results of the ideal observer analyses suggest that each of the models are quite able to predict forward masking effects but fail to predict backward masking effects. The typical relationship between threshold and Inter-Stimulus Interval was replicated for forward masking stimuli. The models were also able to predict the direct relationship between detection threshold and masker duration for forward masking stimuli, as well as the effects of masker intensity on detection threshold. These results suggest that the models of the periphery under consideration can only account for forward masking effects, and that a higher-level explanation of backward masking is required. The ability of the models to predict the results of a speech identification experiment was also tested.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Balakrishnan, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Psychology|Experiments|Cognitive therapy
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