The role of extraneous stimuli in responsiveness to signals: Refractoriness or facilitation?

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Abstract
Two experiments are described in which the effects of visual extraneous stimuli on speed of response to auditory signals were investigated. The findings based on 70 adult Ss were that an extraneous stimulus preceding a signal facilitates responsiveness to the signal and that strength of the effect is related to the interval separating the extraneous stimulus and signal. For intervals of less than 0·2 sec. the magnitude of the effect is also related to the intensity of the extraneous stimulus. The existence of such a facilitatory effect is taken as contradicting the established view of a psychological refractory period and an attempt is made to relate this finding to other studies.

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