Cutaneous Temporal Resolution Values for “Sophisticated” and “Naive” Subjects

Abstract

Temporal resolution values for the tactile sensory modality were obtained for two loci, the tongue and the thenar eminence of the right hand, using a two-pulse mechanical stimulus. Two groups of 11 females each, participated in this study. One group was “sophisticated” in terms of educational background and training in experimental procedure. The other group was “naive” in terms of educational background and training in experimental procedure. Analysis showed that both the tongue and hand responded similarly to the fusion task but that there was a significant difference in fusion thresholds for both structures between the sophisticated and the naive groups. The sophisticated subjects showed more acute fusion thresholds for both the tongue and thenar eminence.