Introductory Remarks

Abstract

The advances in the methodology of comparative psychoacoustics over the past 25 years are due, primarily, to the sophistication, speed, and accessibility of laboratory microcomputers. Microcomputers are now routinely used for both stimulus generation and response measurement in all areas of psychoacoustic research. To provide for a better understanding of these techniques, application of computer methods for synthesizing both simple and complex acoustic stimuli and for presenting these stimuli in auditory tests are discussed in the first chapter by Tucker and Varosi. Their contribution describes a major advance in the field of psychoacoustics in general and animal psychoacoustics in particular — the application of digital signal processing methods. Precise stimulus calibration is another topic of immense importance in conducting psychoacoustic experiments. The challenges in achieving this goal are even greater in animal psychoacoustics than in studies in humans, since most experiments are done in the free field rather than with headphones, and the range of stimulus values may fall outside the range of human hearing sensitivity and discriminability. The chapter by Larsen emphasizes the importance of good stimulus calibration and control and demonstrates what should be good practice. Finally, the chapter by Penner describes the advantages and disadvantages of different human psychophysical methods applied to nonhumans. The rigor and precision of these methods serves as a guideline as comparative psychoacousticians must necessarily tailor psychoacoustic paradigms to the specific behavioral adaptations of different animal species.