structural:reformatting, stylistic:tone
Experiments to distinguish rate and place effects on pitch perception

Experiments to distinguish between place theory and rate theory using subjects with normal hearing are easy to devise, because of the strong correlation between rate and place: large vibrations at a low rate are produced at the apical end of the basilar membrane while large vibrations at a high rate are produced at the basal end. The two stimulus parameters can, however, be controlled independently using cochlear implants: pulses with a range of rates can be applied via different pairs of electrodes distributed along the membrane and subjects can be asked to rate a stimulus on a pitch scale.