Abstract
The model assumes a series of quantal elements, divided into successive subseries. Within each subseries, the quanta are equal in psychological magnitude. Between subseries, they may differ in magnitude; if they differ, they do so by some integral ratio. The quanta of any subseries may thus be converted into the units of the subseries with the smallest quanta. The total converted value of all of the quanta excited determines the psychological magnitude. The converted value of any quantum divided by the total converted value of all of the preceding quanta in the series determines the relative differential sensitivity; this ratio is analogous to the Weber fraction. When the ratio is plotted against its denominator, analogous to a plot of ΔR/R against R, the result is a set of reciprocal functions that resemble visually a Weber-law plot. The model also has consequences for the measurement of magnitudes, for the relations governing latency and confidence, and for certain issues in systematic psychology.
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© 1974 D. Reidel Publishing Company, Dordrecht-Holland
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Volkmann, J. (1974). A Quantal Model for Psychological Magnitude and Differential Sensitivity. In: Moskowitz, H.R., Scharf, B., Stevens, J.C. (eds) Sensation and Measurement. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-2245-3_16
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-2245-3_16
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