The meaning of the Weber-Fechner law: IV. The psychometric curve and interhemispheric and intrahemispheric interactions

Abstract

A subject was presented two horizontal lines. One of them was an objective reference line (Ro), whose length was unchanged. There were a total of five Ro lines. The other line was a test line (T), whose length varied. The subject had to say whether the longer line was above or below the shorter one. The results were treated using a model of neuronal constructions consisting of a number of similar constructions fulfilling different functions along the route from inputting information to obtaining Weber’s ΔL/L ratio. Psychometric curves and the reference stimulus (Rs) as their derivative were determined at the initial stage. In this case, Rs≠Ro. At the final stage of simulation, Rs = Ro. The Weber-Fechner fraction was calculated using the standard formula (T - Ro)/Ro. The same initial data introduced to the model yielded a curve entirely coinciding with the curve calculated experimentally. At the final stage of stimulation, Rs and Ro were equal to each other. Their inequality at the initial stages was necessary for calculating the mutual positions of the elements of a scene. It was concluded that the model constructions are similar to real neuronal constructions of the visual brain.