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Loudness counts: Interactions between loudness, number magnitude, and space
Matthias Hartmann1, Fred W Mast1
1a Department of Psychology , University of Bern , Bern , Switzerland.
Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology (2006)
|April 26, 2016
Summary
This study reveals a bidirectional link between number and loudness processing, suggesting they share a generalized magnitude network. Task-irrelevant numerical cues influenced loudness perception and vice versa.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Magnitude Perception
Background:
- The generalized magnitude network theory (ATOM) proposes shared processing for different magnitude formats like numbers, space, and time.
- Loudness, as an indicator of intensity and magnitude, was investigated for its interaction with numerical magnitude processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if loudness processing interacts with numerical magnitude processing.
- To explore the bidirectional influence between loudness and numerical information.
- To investigate the role of task relevance in the loudness-number association.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous presentation of numbers (small/large) spoken in quiet/loud voices to different ears.
- Participants judged loudness or numerical magnitude.
- Application of spatial-numerical association of response codes (SNARC) paradigms for magnitude and loudness judgments.
- Inclusion of a parity judgment task to assess task specificity.
Main Results:
- Faster responses when smaller numbers were quiet and larger numbers were loud, indicating cross-talk between magnitude and loudness.
- Bidirectional influence confirmed via SNARC paradigms for magnitude and loudness judgments.
- No loudness-number association in the parity task; loudness associated with response side in loudness judgment task.
Conclusions:
- Numerical magnitude and loudness share processing resources within a generalized magnitude system.
- The interaction is bidirectional and influenced by task demands.
- This suggests a deeper integration of sensory intensity and abstract numerical magnitude than previously assumed.
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