Theory of frequency modulation detection for low modulation frequencies

Abstract

There is general agreement that the frequency difference limen measured in a two-sine-tone frequency discrimination experiment is smaller than that measured in a frequency modulation (FM) experiment. We present a model of frequency modulation detection for low modulation frequencies, within the framework of signal detection theory, which accounts well for the observed difference between frequency discrimination experiments and FM detection experiments. The FM detection model also predicts psychometric functions for detection of FM with different modulation waveforms. FM detection experiments with square, sine, trapezoid, and triangle FM are in reasonable agreement with the model predictions.