A theoretical model for perceived intensity in human taste and smell as a function of time

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Abstract
The psychophysical literature on human taste and smell was searched for measurements and theories on the relationship between stimulus intensity and perceived intensity over time. The material available did not contain a model which could be applied to changing stimulus levels, but sufficient data were found to postulate one. The time course of perceived intensity during stimulation can be described by a time-dependent version of the power law. This involves a differential equation which relates the threshold of perception to the time course of the presented stimulus. The results of our own panel tests correspond fully with the predictions arising from the theory presented herein. The same trend is also visible in literature curves.