drempelspectrum

The drempelspectrum is a concept in psychophysics that describes the distribution of perceptual thresholds across a range of stimulus parameters in a given sensory modality. It captures how detection sensitivity changes as stimulus intensity, frequency, or wavelength varies, effectively mapping the dynamic range of perception for that modality.

To construct a drempelspectrum, researchers present stimuli at systematically varied levels and record whether observers detect each stimulus. The threshold at each parameter value is typically defined at a chosen performance criterion (for example, 50% detection). Plotting threshold against the corresponding parameter yields a curve whose shape reflects the sensory system's sensitivity and limits. In auditory research, thresholds may be plotted against frequency and expressed in decibels; in vision, against luminance or wavelength.

The drempelspectrum often aligns with established psychophysical laws or models, such as Weber's law for small increments or Stevens' power law for the relationship between stimulus magnitude and perceived intensity. It can differ across individuals and can be affected by factors such as attention, adaptation, aging, or clinical conditions.

Applications include comparing sensory performance across populations, assessing the effects of interventions, calibrating devices, and informing theories of sensory encoding. Limitations include methodological dependence, inter-individual variability, and the fact that thresholds can depend on task design and response criteria.

See also: perceptual threshold, just noticeable difference, psychophysics, sensory modality.