A Study of Sensitivity to Noise
Abstract
In the study, 140 subjects were exposed to simulated sonic booms and recorded residential noises in one, two, or three two-hour sessions over a period of six months. Electrophysiological measures of heart rate and electromyographic responses to the stimuli were analyzed. Biographical, demographical, and personality inventories were also obtained for each of the subjects. The purpose of this research was to: determine whether there are different degrees of psychological and physiological sensitivity to noise in a large group of people; to determine whether and how such sensitivity varied in time; and to relate such sensitivity to other psychological and personality variables. Significant differences in psychological sensitivity to noise were found in the subject population. These differences remained stable for the duration of the experiment and were also found to be related to the attitudinal and belief structures of the individuals. Definite physiological responses to the simulated sonic booms were observed. However, the physiological indices used in this research did not show individual differences in physiological sensitivity to noise. These results do not preclude the possibility that more elaborate and extensive psychophysiological measurement might demonstrate varying physiological sensitivity to noise.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0728332
Entities
People
- F. Poza
- K. D. Kryter
- R. W. Becker
Organizations
- SRI International