Graded proximity effects: equiprobable rare tones near a distribution mode are detected better than distant ones¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · causal r2 · q3
Currency · newest study 2025 · not yet checked against its sources · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q3 i? Low-probability tones closer to a high-probability frequency are better detected than those further away, with the graded advantage symmetric when the mode is centered and asymmetric ('ski slope') when the mode is near the distribution edge. → Luthra 2025

Evidence¶

Luthra 2025¶

Luthra, S., Luor, A., Tierney, A. T., Dick, F., & Holt, L. L. (2025). Statistical learning dynamically shapes auditory perception. npj Science of Learning. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41539-025-00328-z

q3 · i? · causal · r2

Analysis of Exp 1b-d (unimodal 75% distributions over five frequencies, 320 trials) showed a significant graded proximity effect (p = .014, η² = 0.022). When the high-probability frequency was centered, the near > far detection difference was symmetric (p = .004, η² = 0.259); near an edge, an asymmetric 'ski slope' profile emerged (p = .015, η² = 0.034).

"The low-probability frequencies of Exp 1b-d share the same probability, yet those closer to a high-probability frequency are better detected than those further away (ANOVA, p =0 . 0 1 4 ,η2 = 0.022)"

Discussion¶

Related Claims¶

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• Distributional learning modulates tone detection in noise, with better detection of high-probability frequencies — related
• Distributional learning exhibits hysteresis, with prior distributions influencing judgments after distributions change — related
• Massed exposure to a single frequency produces lasting suppression of detection at distant frequencies — related
• Distributional learning across a task-irrelevant dimension slows duration decisions for low-probability frequencies — related
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