A Multifactor Theory of Sensation: Individuality in Sensory Structure and Sensory Processing

Abstract

A conceptual framework for individual differences in sensory structure and processing is outlined which provides a theoretical integration of multivariate, psychophysical, and experimental studies of sensation. A hierarchy of sensory dimensions is proposed which involves lower-order modality specific factors integrated by higher-order modality independent factors. The relationship between lower-order dimensions and individual power law exponents is discussed. A model of sensory processing is presented which specifies the functional significance of individual differences.