A comparison between the models of the psychological refractory period proposed by Welford and Surwillo and Titus

Abstract

A model of the psychological refractory period (PRP) proposed by Surwillo and Titus (1976) is compared critically with that proposed by Welford (1952) noting the following points:(1) Surwillo and Titus augment the single channel hypothesis of Welford's model with other assumptions that are unnecessary as Welford's model fits their data (and the great bulk of other studies) with great precision.(2) An anomaly overlooked in their application of the model to the data was found, namely, a counterintuitive decrease in reaction time to the 2nd stimulus below its asymptotic value. This has not been reported in any PRP data. The assumption in error is pointed out and a correction suggested.