Fechner’s paradox is an interesting phenomenon of perception, first noted by German psychologist Gustav Fechner in the mid-nineteenth century. The paradox is that, although physical energy increases in an exponential manner, the perception of this energy does not increase at the same rate. This phenomenon has been studied extensively since its discovery, and has been used to explain certain aspects of perception and cognition.
Fechner’s paradox was first described in his book Elements of Psychophysics (1860). Fechner observed that while physical energy increases exponentially, the perception of this energy increases logarithmically. This means that, as physical energy increases, the perceived intensity does not increase at the same rate. For example, if physical energy is doubled, the perceived intensity will not be doubled, but will instead increase by a much smaller amount.
Since its discovery, Fechner’s paradox has been used to explain various phenomena in the field of perception and cognition. For instance, it has been used to explain why humans often fail to detect small changes in physical stimuli. This phenomenon is known as the “just noticeable difference” (JND) and is thought to be due to Fechner’s paradox.
Fechner’s paradox has also been used to explain why humans are often more sensitive to changes in auditory stimuli than visual stimuli. This phenomenon, known as the “Weber-Fechner law”, is thought to be due to the fact that auditory stimuli increase logarithmically with respect to physical energy, while visual stimuli increase linearly.
Finally, the paradox has also been used to explain why humans tend to find certain stimuli easier to detect than others. This phenomenon, known as the “contrast effect”, is thought to be due to the fact that when physical energy is increased logarithmically, perceived intensity increases more quickly than when physical energy is increased linearly.
Overall, Fechner’s paradox is an important phenomenon in the field of perception and cognition. It has been used to explain many aspects of human perception, including the JND, Weber-Fechner law, and contrast effect.
References
Fechner, G. (1860). Elements of psychophysics. Leipzig: Breitkopf & Hartel.
Krantz, J. H., Luce, R. D., Suppes, P., & Tversky, A. (1971). Foundations of measurement. San Diego: Academic Press.
Kubovy, M. & Van Valkenburg, D. (2001). The psychology of perception. New York: W. W. Norton & Co.
Lazarus, R. S., & Lazarus, B. N. (1994). Cognition and motivation in emotion. New York: Plenum Press.
Robinson, W. S. (2001). Sensation and perception. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.