range

n. a measure of dispersion obtained by subtracting the lowest score in a distribution from the highest score. For example, if the highest score on a test is 100 and the lowest score is 10, then the range is (100 – 10) = 90 points. Because it describes a raw discrepancy between the low and high scores, range is generally perceived as less informative than other measures of dispersion, such as the standard deviation.

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Psychology term of the day

January 21st 2025

equal loudness contour

the function relating decibels sound-pressure level (dB SPL) to frequency for pure tones that have a loudness equal to that of a 1-kHz tone at a fixed level. For example, a 100 Hz tone presented at 70 dB SPL is as loud as a 1 kHz tone presented at 60 dB SPL. This is a point on the equal loudness contour for a 60-phon reference. This function has been incorporated in audio circuitry as “loudness compensation,” primarily in an attempt to correct for the decreased loudness of low frequencies when listening at low levels. See loudness.