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loudness summation

a situation in which the loudness of different sounds presented together is the sum of their individual loudnesses. For example, if Sound A at 40 dB SPL (decibels sound-pressure level) has a loudness of 1 sone and Sound B at 50 dB SPL has a loudness of 2 sones, then loudness summation is said to occur if the loudness of A and B presented together is 3 sones. Loudness summation depends on the frequency composition of the sounds. See also critical band.

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Psychology term of the day

December 19th 2024

unipolar rating scale

unipolar rating scale

a type of instrument that prompts a respondent to evaluate the degree to which a single quality or attribute is present. For example, consider a scale with the following anchors or benchmarks: (1) not at all satisfied, (2) slightly satisfied, (3) moderately satisfied, (4) very satisfied, and (5) completely satisfied. Because there is no anchor that represents the opposing quality of dissatisfaction, the scale has one pole. Also called unipolar scale. Compare bipolar rating scale.