Augmenting–reducing paradox lost? A test of Davis et al.'s (1983) hypothesis

Abstract The aim of the experiment was to test Davis et al.'s [Davis, C., Cowles, M., & Kohn, P. (1983). Strength of the nervous system and augmenting–reducing: paradox lost. Personality and Individual Differences, 4, 491–498.] hypothesis, that Petrie-style reducers become evoked potential (EP) augmenters at high intensities. Central, autonomic, and subjective responses to auditory stimuli of five intensities from 65 to 105 dB(A) were recorded in subjects classified as augmenters/reducers according to the Vando reducer–augmenter scale (RAS). Forty-five white noise stimuli of each intensity were presented. EEG, ECG, EDA, subjective and behavioral data were recorded. It was hypothezised that …