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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Uncovering Beat Deafness: Detecting Rhythm Disorders with Synchronized Finger Tapping and Perceptual Timing Tasks
Published on: March 16, 2015
Turn the beat around: Commentary on "Slow and fast beat sequences are represented differently through space" (De
Danielle Wood1, Samuel Shaki2, Martin H Fischer3
1Department of Psychology, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse 24-25 House 14, D-14476, Potsdam, OT Golm, Germany.
Abstract:
There has been increasing interest in the spatial mapping of various perceptual and cognitive magnitudes, such as expanding the spatial-numerical association of response codes (SNARC) effect into domains outside of numerical cognition. Recently, De Tommaso and Prpic (Attention, Perception, & Psychophysics, 82, 2765-2773, 2020) reported in this journal that only fast tempos over 104 beats per minute have spatial associations, with more right-sided associations and faster responses for faster tempos. After discussing the role of perceived loudness and possible response strategies, we propose and recommend methodological improvements for further research.
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