Auditory systems spatial resolving power in the periphery, under serial processing, is more precise than visual spatial processing in the peripheral aspects.

Abstract

The relation between minimum audible and minimum visible angle was measured in a sequential localization task and compared. The frontal spatial fields of the visual and auditory systems are superior to their peripheral regions [Wertheim (1894); Mills (1958)]. Localization tasks were related to Vernier’s acuity, except the timing was in a sequential pattern for both the visual and auditory systems. The spatial acuity of the auditory system defined space better at approximately 20-deg azimuth and beyond then the visual system. Four subjects participated, two male and two female, ranging in ages from 23–49. Significant differences were found in the main effects of angles [F(4,3)=30.59, p<0.01] and the interaction between conditions and angle [F(4,3)=3,89, p<0.05]. The implications of these results will be discussed.