Categorization and generalization of multiple dimensions in nonspeech stimuli.

Abstract

Nonspeech (NS) stimuli have seen considerable use for exploring linguistic perception questions. One problem with such studies is extrapolating results found using abstract sounds to specific linguistic phenomena. This paper reports a series of experiments using noise‐tone pairs, which have all the advantages of NS sounds but also have sufficient similarity to speech sounds to make connections with linguistic data. These sounds were used in several perceptual learning experiments exploring categorization and generalization. Subjects were trained to categorize using a single dimension or two integrated dimensions and then asked to label different sets of novel stimuli to assess generalization and dimensional reliability. Preliminary results demonstrate that learned dimensions were preferred for categorizing novel sounds and that generalization of integrated dimensions depends strongly on the relationship between the two dimensions. These results are discussed in terms of linguistic categories and theories of perceptual learning.