Method of Limits
The Method of Limits is a psychophysical technique used to investigate the threshold of perception or discrimination of a specific sensory stimulus. It involves presenting stimuli at varying levels of intensity or magnitude, gradually increasing or decreasing these levels until the participant detects or distinguishes the stimulus. This method allows researchers to determine the absolute threshold, difference threshold, or the upper and lower limits of sensation for a given sensory modality.
Procedure
The Method of Limits typically follows these steps:
- Begin with a stimulus level that is clearly detectable or distinguishable by the participant.
- Gradually increase or decrease the intensity/magnitude of the stimulus in small steps.
- Ask the participant to indicate when they first detect or notice a change in the stimulus (ascending series) or when they can no longer detect or notice a change (descending series).
- Repeat the process multiple times for accurate results.
Use of Method of Limits
The Method of Limits is commonly employed in various fields, including psychology, neuroscience, and market research, to measure subjective thresholds. It enables researchers to understand the sensitivity of human perception and the ability to discriminate between different stimuli. By systematically manipulating stimulus intensities, the limits of human sensory capabilities can be quantified and analyzed.