Rhythmic stability as explanation of category size

Abstract

A measure is proposed for stability and the structural integration of a percept for a perceived temporal sequence. This measure is an elaboration of a theory of rhythm perception, named DECO, based on time intervals between any pair of onsets in a temporal pattern. More specifically, it specifies bounds between successive intervals whose durations relate as simple integer ratios. The definition of the internal stability of a mental representation of rhythm depends on the contributions of these bounds. This theory is in accordance with the responses when subjects were asked to identify rhythmic categories from performed temporal patterns.