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The development of Weinstein's noise sensitivity scale
H Kishikawa1, T Matsui, I Uchiyama
1Department of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Kyoto University, Japan. kishikawa@health.env.kyoto-u.ac.jp
Noise & Health
|September 14, 2007
Summary
Noise sensitivity scales like WNS may be unreliable due to biased questions and response bias. A new scale, WNS-6B, was developed to more accurately measure noise sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Psychology
- Acoustics
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Noise sensitivity is linked to noise annoyance, often measured by Weinstein's Noise Sensitivity Scale (WNS).
- The validity of WNS questions and its susceptibility to response bias require thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the validity of individual questions within the WNS.
- To develop a more accurate and reliable scale for measuring noise sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire study was conducted with 301 residents in Kusatsu, Japan.
- Multiple logistic regression analyzed the relationship between noise exposure and WNS responses.
- Response bias influence on WNS scores was examined.
Main Results:
- Certain WNS questions showed inappropriate correlations with noise exposure levels.
- Response bias significantly affected WNS scores, potentially confounding annoyance correlations.
- A new scale, WNS-6B, was developed by removing biased questions and using binary coding.
Conclusions:
- The original WNS scale may not be a fully valid measure of noise sensitivity.
- The newly developed WNS-6B scale demonstrates improved appropriateness for assessing noise sensitivity.
- Noise sensitivity assessment requires careful consideration of noise exposure and response bias.
