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Two-Point Threshold

Psychological Statistics and Experiments (Christ (Deemed To Be University))

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Title: Assessment of Two point threshold (Method of Constant Stimuli)

Method

Introduction:

The term Tactile refers to the mechanical interaction with the skin. Tactile perception, also
known as touch perception, is the brain's ability to understand (perceive) information from the
skin. It includes normal and shear forces, moments, (angular) acceleration, (angular) speed, and
heat.

The two-point discrimination test is used to determine whether or not a patient can
identify two close points on a small area of skin and how fine this ability is. It is a metric for
tactile agnosia, or the inability to distinguish between these two points despite intact cutaneous
sensation and proprioception.

Tactile receptor density and somatosensory cortical representation differ between body
areas. A person's forehand should normally be able to recognize two points separated by 12-35
mm. Weber's two-point discrimination test is the most commonly used method for assessing
upper extremity sensibility. The amount of force applied between one and two points easily
exceeds the normal sensation's resolution or sensitivity threshold. The number of correct
responses required may differ slightly between examiners.

The results are compared to a normal person's threshold value, and the extent of the
damage in the patient's neurological examination is discovered. Sensory nerve cell connections
in the brain and sensory receptor concentration in the area are factors influencing the test. The
dorsal column-medial lemniscus pathway (DCML) is required to carry this touch discrimination
information. As a result, failing this test provides information about the damage to this pathway
or the corresponding nerve.

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Aim

To determine the subject’s two-point thresholds on the left ventral forearm using method of
constant stimuli.

Plan

A series of stimuli, ranging between 12mm and 32mm and increasing by 2mm are
presented in random order, 5 trials of each distance are presented, and subject’s responses are
recorded. The absolute threshold is obtained by drawing an C-P graph.

Hypothesis

Ha1.Subjects vary in their cutaneous sensitivity, as represented by their two point

thresholds.

Materials

1. Two-point Aesthesiometer (touch compass) consists of two points with vernier

calipers. The two-point threshold is the minimal distance between two points for
the subject to perceive it as two points in 50% of the trails and as one point in the
other 50% of the trials. Accuracy of the perception will depend on the area of the
body stimulated (Refer to table showing representative values)
2. Blind fold

3. Writing materials

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Table 1

Representative values of the two-point threshold

Areas Absolute threshold in Areas Absolute threshold in

mm mm
Tip of the tongue 1 Back of cheekbone 23
Finger tip 2 Back of hand 31
Lips 5 Knee 36
Centre of any finger 7 Forearm, Lower leg 40
Thumb 9 Back of foot, neck , 54
chest
Cheek 11 Middle of back arm, 68
leg

Source : Parry & Adisheshaih (1977). Experimental Psychology.

Variables

Independent variable

Distance between the 2 points of the Aesthesiometer

Dependent variable

Subject’s perception of two points

Procedure

Setting up & Arrangement

The participant is seated comfortably. Rapport is established. After the basic orientation

to the test, the participant will be asked to start the test.

Intake process

The participant will be chosen based on convenience sampling.

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Participant details

Name (initials): AK

Age: 20

Sex: Female

Education: Undergraduate

Process

Seat the subject comfortably and have them place their left arm facing upwards on the
flat surface of the table. Instruct the subject that their left ventral forearm will be touched with
either one point or two points. Each time the subject has to report whether they felt one point or
two points. Draw a 4cm, line on the subject’s left ventral forearm and blindfold them. After
instructing the subject, present the stimuli in random order and record the subject’s responses.
Each trial should be preceded by a ‘ready’ signal.

Instructions

• Hello this is an experiment where I will be measuring your ability to detect points placed
on your arm. I will be using this tool called the Aestheometer.

• I will be pricking you with the instrument. We will do one trial run and make sure to tell
me if I pricked you too hard or not.

• I will be pricking you with the instrument and you have to tell me how many points did
you register while I do so. You are not allowed to look at me while I perform the
experiment.

• We will be performing 20 trials in this activity and I will randomly rub your arm which
will help your arm reset the after sensations that you will face after some trials.

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• There is no time limit for this experiment. The results for your experiment will not be
shared to anyone.

• After listening to these instructions and any time during the conduction of the
experiment, if you feel uncomfortable and want to drop out, you have the right to
withdraw yourself from the experiment.

Debriefing

Thank you for participating in this experiment. Your data will be kept confidential and

will be used only for academic purposes. The purpose of this experiment was to test your tactile

perception and establish the minimum distance at which you perceive two points of the

instrument used, at least 50% of the time. If you have any further queries regarding the

experiment, feel free to ask.

Controls/Precautions

● The experiment should be conducted in a well-lit room with minimum disturbances from

the environment.

● Explain all the instructions in detail to the participant. Ask them if they have understood

it and you can repeat them again if they are confused with any aspect of the procedure.

● Explain to the participant that their anonymity is guaranteed and if they want to drop out

of the experiment at any point of time, they are allowed to do so.

● Do not share the results of one participant to another and make sure that they do not

compare their scores.

● Make sure that the participant does not look at you while conducting the experiment.

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● The experiment has no time limit and make sure that the arm of the participant is rubbed
at regular intervals. This will avoid the chances of aftersensations that they experience
which could be reported falsely in the experiment

Analysis

1. Note down the frequency (f) of ‘two’ responses for each distance.
2. Compute cumulative frequency of two point sensation for each distance.
3. Compute the cumulative percentage (CP) using the value of the last ‘cf’ as the base
number.

CP = ___cf___ X 100
Base number

4. Plot the subject’s data on a C-P (cumulative-percentage) graph to determine Reiz Limen
(absolute threshold) as follows.
a. The stimulus values are plotted on the abscissa (x-axis) and cumulative
percentage values are plotted on the ordinate (y-axis), and the graph for the
subject’s data is drawn.
b. A horizontal line is drawn from the 50 percent point on the ordinate to the graph.
c. From this point, a vertical line is dropped to the abscissa. The value on the
abscissa gives us the value of the absolute threshold for two points.
5. Compare the two point thresholds of the subjects and verify the hypothesis.

Points for discussion

1. Compare the subject's RL with the representative value (40mm) and discuss cutaneous
sensitivity.
2. Calculate the group norms and discuss cutaneous sensitivity.
3. Analyze the range and discuss individual differences.

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Results and Discussion

Table 2

Showing the frequency of “two” sensation for each distance for the subject

Distance Frequency Cumulative Cumulative

in mm Trials (f) Frequency percentage

1 2 3 4 5
(cf) (cp)
12 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 100
14 1 2 1 1 1 1 3 300
16 1 2 1 1 2 2 5 250
18 1 2 1 1 1 1 6 600
20 1 1 1 1 2 1 7 700
22 1 2 2 2 2 4 11 275
24 2 2 2 2 1 4 15 375
26 1 1 2 2 1 2 17 850
28 2 2 1 1 2 3 20 500
30 1 2 2 2 2 4 22 550
32 2 2 2 2 2 5 27 540

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Table 3

Group data for the two-point threshold experiment

S.No Name of the Reiz-Limen (R-L) in mm

subject (initials
only)
1 DV 25

2 BP 28

3 AN 28

4 AM 24.4

5 DA 20

6 SH 26

7 AK 33

Total 183.4

Mean 26.2

Std. Dev 3.4

Range 12

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Table 4

Group norms for the Two-point threshold experiment

Score * Interpretation

Below 22.8 Below average

Between 22.8 and 29.5 Average

29.6 and above Above average

* Based on the following values: Mean = 26.2 ; Std Dev = 3.4

Introspective Report

The two-point threshold experiment was very easy to understand. When they first told me that I

was going to be pricked with an apparatus, I was apprehensive due to my fear of needles.

However upon seeing the apparatus and with the assurance provided by the experimenter I was

put at ease. The experimenter was rubbing my forearm which helped diminishing the sensations

but did not get rid of them completely. The experiment was time consuming and it was getting

hard to concentrate as the time was going on.

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Discussion

The results reveal the participant’s Reiz Limen score – as calculated using the graph is of 33 mm

to be in the average (based on Table 4). This suggests, that the participant has a more or less

similar cutaneous sensitivity compared to the group ultimately indicating that the individual has

an average cutaneous sensitivity to the two points than other participants. The participant’s

absolute threshold is also lower than the representative value of 40mm, and thus, indicates that

the cutaneous sensitivity of the participant’s skin is higher. The group’s average score of 26.2

mm is also below the representative value of 40mm, revealing that on average, the group’s

cutaneous sensitivity was relatively high. The maximum and minimum scores highlight how

varied the sensitivity was. These results allow us to accept Ha1.

Conclusion

In conclusion, based on the participant’s individual RL score and the varied RL scores of the

group reflecting their varied cutaneous sensitivity, we can accept Ha1. The participant’s results

reveal his sensory threshold to be below average, indicating a higher cutaneous sensitivity. Due

to the large range of data, we can also conclude that the test is not extremely reliable.

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References

Psychology Laboratory Workbook for III Year B.A./B.Sc,Paper 1- Aptitude and Ability

Tests

(2004). Bangalore University. Psychotronics Publications : Bangalore.

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