On the estimation of refractory period.

The refractory period concept is exploited in many neurophysiological studies as a part of developed methods. Computations connected to these methods are influenced by the estimated value of refractory period. In this article, parametric and nonparametric refractory period estimation methods (minimum, maximum likelihood estimate, minimum risk estimate, etc.) are compared for three neuronal models. The results acquired from simulated data illustrate both accuracy and bias of different techniques. Experimental data are also investigated to show the limitations of the methods discussed.