Hearing waveform beats disproves strict place theory of perception

Evidence

To summarize, if we humans detect exactly the frequencies that are present and no more (strict place theory), there should be no waveform beats. Timing theory suggests that we might be able to hear differences in the waveform even if the power spectrum is the same. As the relative phase of the partials (and nothing else) changes, the waveform changes, possibly drastically. If beats are heard, we can hear the shape of the waveform, contradicting the Ohm-Helmholtz phase law. — Eric J. Heller, Why You Hear What You Hear- An…, 2242

Categorization

• DEFINE: Summarizes the contrast between place theory and timing theory in auditory perception.