Lingual vibrotactile magnitude-estimation scaling using a limited set of suprathreshold stimulus intensities

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to assess feasibility of lingual vibrotactile suprathreshold testing with a limited number of intensities. 25 subjects ranging in age from 18 to 26 years (M = 19 yr.) participated. Two magnitude-estimation scaling tasks were presented to each subject with 1 wk. between tasks. One magnitude-estimation task involved eight suprathreshold intensities and the other involved four. Statistical analyses showed that there was no difference in subjects' responses to the two scaling efforts. In pure research endeavors it might make sense to continue to obtain as many magnitude-scaling data points as possible, but practical prudence may dictate a limited set of suprathreshold intensities for efficiency and subjects' comfort.