ABSTRACT
The functional relation between stimuli and responses rendered by Magnitude Estimation is not linearly related to comparable functions rendered by Category Estimation. In the latter technique the subject uses only a relatively small number of integers (or word descriptors) in order to express perceived magnitude. Montgomery (1975) remarked on the differences between these two methods:
In Category Estimation, an upper and lower limit are defined by the end categories and subjects assign integers to reflect perceived differences among stimuli, whereas in Magnitude Estimation the subject assigns numbers to reflect perceived ratios.
In Category Estimation, the set of responses is fixed and relatively small, whereas in Magnitude Estimation the highest and lowest numbers are at the discretion of the subject.
In Category Estimation, the responses are discrete, whereas in Magnitude Estimation the number scale is theoretically continuous.
