Some correlates of inhibition-facilitation effect on reaction-time due to unexpected increase in stimulus intensity

Abstract

Ss who showed an inhibitory effect in reacting to an auditory stimulus, the intensitv of which was increased unexpectedly, were compared with Ss who showed a facilitatory effect in reacting to a similar stimulus. No difference was noticed between the two groups in introversion, anxietyneuroticism and autonomic lability measures. There was a significant negative correlation between latency of reaction to a weak stimulus and inhibition-facilitation effect. This result is discussed in terms of the curvilinear performance theory of activation and an alternative explanation is offered. Notes 1. This experiment was conducted in the University of Western Australia. 2. Personal communication.

Effect of unexpected increase in stimulus intensity on reaction time of hand withdrawal

“…On closer examination, 58 or 94% of the Ss, instead of predicted 100%, were facilitators. However, forward response (Purohit, 1966) and inward response in this experiment. See text for details.…”

“…In a recent paper (Purohit, 1966) it was reported that Ss whose reaction time to a weak stimulus (RTw) was long, showed facilitatory effect (RTs -RTw = -) in their reaction time to a strong stimulus (RTs), the intensity of which was increased unexpectedly. Conversely, Ss whose RTw was short showed inhibitory effect (RTs-RTw=+) in their RTs in the same situation.…”