Terhardt, E. (1970a) Frequency analysis and periodicity detection in the sensations of roughness and periodicity pitch. In: Frequency Analysis and Periodicity Detection in Hearing (Plomp, R., Smoorenburg, G.F., eds.), Sijthoff, Leiden, 278-287
Results of Terhardt's recent investigations on roughness and Walliser's on pitch are presented. Conclusions are drawn on the psychophysical principles of pitch perception. It is demonstrated that the pitch of complex signals is dependent on frequency resolution of dominant partials; and that it is largely independent of time structure perception. The close relationships between complex-tone pitch and pitch of individual partials suggest that the pitch of complex signals is dependent on a spectral pattern recognition process. It is suggested that the pitch of complex signals is a "secondary" sensation (As opposed to a pure tone's pitch, which is regarded as a "primary" sensation) which is produced in the central auditory system by an active process of "Gestalt" perception.