Rhythmic Stability as Explanation of Category Size

A measure is proposed for stability and the structural integration of a percept for a perceived temporal sequence. This measure is an elaboration of a theory of rhythm perception, named DECO, based on time intervals between any pair of onsets in a temporal pattern. More specifically, i t specifies bounds between successive intervals whose durations relate as simple integer ratios. The definition of the internal stability of a mental representation of rhythm depends on the contributions of these bounds. This theory i s in accordance with the responses when subjects were asked to identify rhythmic categories from performed temporal patterns.