The consistency model: A process model for absolute judgments.

Stimuli receive higher ratings when smaller ones are presented more frequently than larger ones. Parducci ascribed this effect to the Ss' tendency to assign the same number of stimuli to each available category. An alternative interpretation is proposed. It is assumed that the judgment scale develops quickly and retains its initial form throughout the presentations. Because the more frequently presented stimuli are most likely to be presented first the S's scale is centered on the range of these stimuli, thus producing (pseudo) frequency effects. Despite its simplicity, the consistency model accounts for the effects of stimulus frequency, number of stimuli, and number of categories. The model also accounts for long-term effects of previous scales