Effects of Intense Noise on Processing of Cutaneous Information of Varying Complexity

Abstract

36 enlisted men identified a series of electropulse messages under varying auditory noise conditions. 3 levels of message complexity were combined factorially with intermittent noise, continuous noise, and no-noise conditions. Ss in Simple message groups were asked to indicate on each trial which 1 of 5 electrode locations was stimulated. Compound message groups identified both location of stimulation (1 of 5 loci) and pulse duration (.2, 1.6, or 2.5 sec.). Finally, Ss in Complex message groups received electropulses at 1 of 5 loci, 1 of 3 durations, and 1 of 2 intensities (1.0 or 1.3 v d. c.). The amount of information transmitted ( It) under differing noise conditions did not differ significantly. It did increase significantly with an increased number of coded elements. However, discrimination accuracy was not affected by the increased code difficulty. It was concluded that intense auditory noise has little effect upon the reception and processing of cutaneously presented information.