ISOLATION TOLERANCE AND THE SENSORY SATIATION HYPOTHESIS

Abstract

Summary.-From a group of 22 Ss rested for toleration time by immersion, 12 Ss were selected, 6 from either toleration time extreme. Their upper auditory thresholds for stimulus intensity were determined. Those who stayed long had significantly higher thresholds than those who did not. 12 new Ss were isolated and a new determination made embracing all Ss. The results were in the same direction and at the same significance level. Two explanations are proferred, both involving the satiation concept. The 22 Ss who were isolated by immersion and were referred to by Francis ( 1966) were ranked with respect to toleration time of isolation. From this group 12 Ss were taken, 6 from either toleration time extreme. Their upper threshold for auditory intensity was determined by the constant method and by the method of limits (ascending series only, 5 trials). A pure 1000 c/s tone was used in order to circumvent the possible objection that differences could be attributable to the ordinary frequency losses that occur with age. These data were evaluated by a rwo-way analysis of variance (toleration X methods). An F ratio of 9.96 (df = 1/20, p < .01) was obtained for toleration level. Neither Mechod nor Interaction was significant. Concurrently Ss had their lower threshold tested in a like manner. No significant difference obtained between thresholds for the extreme toleration groups. In addition, Ss were asked to make judgements for 9 tones in the 45-db to 85-db range. A standard 65-db tone was presented at the beginning and was called the standard. Judgements of loudness were made about each tone in cerms of the standard. The curves of such judgments were plotted for each group. These psychophysical judgments did not discriminate the toleration groups. A test-retest reliability coefficient of 0.94 was obtained for 12 Ss, with several weeks intervening between Tests 1 and 2. On the basis of this evidence the conclusion was drawn that the upper auditory threshold for sound intensity does discriminate between groups who exemplify the toleration time extremes. The method used to determine the threshold does not appear to be of importance. Twelve more Ss were isolated under the same conditions. In this sample there were 4 sc~tdents (2 male, 2 female; ages 19, 22, 20, and 20 yr.), 1 housewife (age 29), 2 technicians (male, ages 30 and 33), 3 academics (2 male, 1 female; ages 32, 37, and 21 yr.) and 2 stenographers (ages 36 and 43). This group of 12 was added to the previous 22 and all 34 Ss were ranked with respect to toleration time. From the available data, the top 12 and bottom 12 tolerators were selected. A simple analysis of variance on the upper thresholds