Available response choices affect localization of sound

Area of Science:

• Auditory perception
• Acoustics
• Psychoacoustics

Background:

• Interaural differences are crucial for sound localization.
• Previous research demonstrated proficient localization based on interaural differences alone.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of interaural differences in sound localization with varying signal types and spatial cues.
• To clarify the nature of cross-plane confusions in auditory spatial perception.

Main Methods:

• Replication of Butler and Humanski (1992) experiment.
• Testing localization with broadband, lowpass, and pure tone signals.
• Utilizing lateral vertical and horizontal sound source arrays.
• Modifying response options to unconstrained settings.

Main Results:

• Listeners accurately localized sounds on the lateral vertical plane using interaural differences for broadband signals.
• Localization accuracy decreased for lowpass and pure tone signals when horizontal cues were added, leading to cross-plane errors.
• Unconstrained response options revealed that lowpass signals from vertical sources were perceived near the horizon.

Conclusions:

• Interaural differences are sufficient for vertical plane localization with broadband signals.
• Horizontal cues can introduce confusions for simpler signals, creating 'cones of confusion'.
• Listener response options and signal properties significantly influence perceived sound source location.