EXPERIMENT 1 Weight Experiment

EXPERIMENT 1
Title: To Compare the Weber's Law in Weight Discrimination of 100 grams and 200
grams.
Classical methods of psychophysics involve the measurement of two types of sensory
thresholds: the absolute threshold, RL (Reiz Limen), the weakest stimulus that is just detectable,
and the difference threshold, DL (Differenz Limen), the smallest stimulus increment that is just
detectable (also called the Just-Noticeable Difference, the JND). Gustav Theodor Fechner
(1801–1887), in Elemente der Psychophysik (Fechner, 1860) introduced three psychophysical
methods for measuring absolute and difference (JND) thresholds: the method of adjustment; the
method of limits; the method of constant stimuli. The purpose of this exercise is to give you
experience with the measurement and computation of the JND for lifted weights using the
method of constant stimuli and to test the predictions of Weber’s Law.
You will determine difference thresholds for weight discrimination using the method of
constant stimuli for two different standard weights: 100 and 200 grams. One of the foundations
of psychophysics is Weber’s Law. It states that the difference limen is a constant proportion of
the standard:
ΔI / I = K (Weber's Law)
In this experiment you will test the hypothesis that Weber’s constant is the same for two different
standard weights, thus validating Weber’s Law.

Method
Participants
A female/male UPSI students in various faculties, aged 20 years and above.
Apparatus
Weight Discrimination instruments. If a blindfolded subject is given two similar shaped
weights and asked to compare, he/she can differentiate better if the difference is more. However
if the difference between the weights is gradually reduced at one point the subject fails to
differentiate between two weights. It consists of a box with a no. of cylinders having different
weights in ascending.
Procedure
In the method of constant stimuli, a standard stimulus is compared a number of times
with other fixed stimuli of slightly different magnitude. When the difference between the
standard and the comparison stimulus is large, the participant nearly always can correctly choose
the heavier of the two weights. When the difference is small, errors are often made. The
difference threshold is the transition point between differences large enough to be easily detected
and those too small to be detected. You will use the method of constant stimuli to measure
participant ability to discriminate small differences in weight using two standard weights:
100!grams and 200!grams. Since there are two different standard weight conditions there are two
possible testing orders.

No of order 1 st 2 nd
1 100g 200g
2 200g 100g
Table 1: Testing orders
The experimenter (E) presents a pair of weights (the standard and one of the test weights
listed on the data sheet) to the participant (P). He/she arranges a support for the preferred arm of
the participant (P) so that his/her hand will extend over one weight. By flexion of the wrist P
should be able to pick up the weight that E has placed in the appropriate position. P should lift
the standard weight first (100 or 200 grams) and then the test weight and judge whether the test
weight was heavier or lighter than the standard. The person recording the data needs to know the
actual weight of the test weight. If the test weight was judged heavier than the standard, a “+”
should be recorded on the data sheet. If the test weight was judged lighter, a “-” should be
recorded. The 11 test weights should be scrambled on the table and presented in a “random”
order. After all 11 are presented the experimenter should shuffle them again and
repeat the presentation of each test weight.
P should be blindfolded, or turn his/her face away so that he/she gets no visual cue as to
which weight is presented. E then gives P the necessary instructions:
1. “When I say, ‘Now,’ lift the standard weight which is directly below your hand, using a wrist
motion. Notice its weight, return it to the table, and lift your hand again. When I repeat,
‘Now,’ do the same with the second weight.”

2. “Report whether or not the test (second) weight seems heavier than the standard weight. Do
not give ‘equal’ judgments. Guess if you are not certain.”
3. E should present the weights in pairs, placing first the standard weight and then a comparison
weight directly below P’s hand. E should try to develop a regular rhythm. Stimuli should be
presented for 1–2 sec. duration, separated by an equal period of time. The intervals between
pairs should be longer. Allow the subject to rest from time to time. At least 10 presentations of
each test stimulus should be made. The order of the test weights should be randomized.
Results
You will test the Hypothesis that the value of the Weber fraction is the same for 100 grams as for
200 grams. The most appropriate analysis is a repeated measures. Your lab report should be
brief and contain five sections: Abstract, introduction, methods, results, and discussion.
These sections should conform to the American Psychological Association (APA) style
(American Psychological Association, the same with the example report). The results
section should have the figure or graph and an appropriate result of statistical test. Do
your results support Weber’s Law?

Table1: Method of Constant Stimuli Data Sheet — 100 gram Standard
Trial No 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125
10
Frequency
of Test
“Heavier
Frequency
of Test
“Lighter”
Note: The judgment of the observer should be which weight (Test or Standard) is
heavier.
Table2: Method of Constant Stimuli Data Sheet — 200 gram Standard
Trial No 175 180 185 190 195 200 205 210 215 220 225
10
Frequency
of Test
“Heavier
Frequency
of Test
“Lighter”
Note: The judgment of the observer should be which weight (Test or Standard) is
heavier.
Recommended reading:
Mohsin, S. M. (1975). Experimental psychology. New Delhi: Orient Longman Ltd (pp.
55-65)
Levin, I. P. & Hinrichs, J. V. (2000). Experimental psychology: Contemporary methods

and applications. Iowa: Brown and Benchmark (92-98)

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EXPERIMENT 1

Classical methods of psychophysics involve the measurement of two types of sensory

(1801–1887), in Elemente der Psychophysik (Fechner, 1860) introduced three psychophysical

method of constant stimuli and to test the predictions of Weber’s Law.

standard weights, thus validating Weber’s Law.

A female/male UPSI students in various faculties, aged 20 years and above.

Weight Discrimination instruments. If a blindfolded subject is given two similar shaped

In the method of constant stimuli, a standard stimulus is compared a number of times

possible testing orders.

Table 1: Testing orders

repeat the presentation of each test weight.

which weight is presented. E then gives P the necessary instructions:

‘Now,’ do the same with the second weight.”

not give ‘equal’ judgments. Guess if you are not certain.”

your results support Weber’s Law?

Trial No 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125

Levin, I. P. & Hinrichs, J. V. (2000). Experimental psychology: Contemporary methods

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