The theory of sound localization: a restatement

A "difference-pattern" hypothesis is advanced to account for localization of sound which assumes the following: phase, time and intensity, and possibly mass, contribute to a difference-pattern that results in directional localization. Each factor contributes to the pattern to a varying degree, depending upon the magnitude of its difference in the different situations. Except when the source is in the median plane, one ear is always nearer the source of sound than the other, which means that there is always under such conditions a phase, a time, and an intensity difference at the ears. All of the factors may contribute more equally in situations in which their differences are more nearly equal. Directional localization is a cortical function, an immediate, unanalyzable experience in the sense that the "effects" of the different stimuli cannot be identified. The organs of hearing serve as mediating agencies for transmitting to the central nervous system the effects corresponding to the differences in the stimuli.