Rate Limits of Sensorimotor Synchronization

• Authors: Bruno H. Repp

Abstracts

EN

Empirical evidence for upper and lower rate limits of sensorimotor synchronization (typically, finger tapping with an auditory or visual event sequence) is reviewed. If biomechanical constraints are avoided, the upper rate limit can be as high as 8-10 Hz (sequence event inter-onset intervals of 100-125 ms) with auditory stimuli, but has been found to be less than 2.5 Hz (> 400 ms) with simple visual stimuli (flashes of light). The upper rate limit for auditory stimuli varies with task difficulty and musical experience; that for visual stimuli requires further investigation. The lower rate limit, according to one definition, tends to be at about 0.56 Hz (1800 ms), regardless of modality. Attentional, perceptual, and sensorimotor explanations of these limits are considered. Rate limits of sensorimotor synchronization place important constraints on musical ensemble performance and other forms of rhythmic coordination.

Keywords

EN

synchronization; tapping; timing; rhythm; rate limits

• Publisher: Wyższa Szkoła Finansów i Zarządzania w Warszawie
• Journal: Advances in Cognitive Psychology
• Year: 2006
• Volume: 2
• Issue: 2-3
• Pages: 163-181

Contributors

author

Bruno H. Repp

• Haskins Laboratories, New Haven, CT

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Identifiers

DOI

10.2478/v10053-008-0053-9