Attention and processing capacity in auditory recognition.

This research examined whether attention and processing capacity limitations affect the recognition of single tones. The 5s identified either one or both dimensions (loudness and quality) of a short test tone. Processing time was controlled by following the test tone with a masking tone after a variable silent interval. Performance improved with increases in the silent intertone interval, but was not affected by whether 5s identified one or both tone dimensions. These results indicated no capacity limitations or selective attention during the recognition of these dimensions. The pattern of the concurrent responses supports these conclusions by indicating that the dimensions were processed independently and in parallel.