MODELS FOR BIASES IN JUDGING SENSORY MAGNITUDE

Category ratings and magnitude judgments are affected by 4 range biases, the centering bias, the stimulus and response equalizing biases, and the contraction bias; by 3 nonlinear biases, the local contraction bias, the stimulus spacing bias, and the logarithmic bias; and by bias from transfer. Models of the biases are described. The biases are most marked in sensory dimensions that students are not taught to handle, such as loudness and brightness. Avoiding all the biases requires exceedingly rigorous investigations. (77 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1979 American Psychological Association.