Course detail

Fundamentals of Experimental Psychoacoustics

FEKT-MPC-ZEAAcad. year: 2024/2025

The course focuses on the methodology of preparation, realization and evaluation of psychoacoustic experiments in the field of sound quality assessment, technical and industrial psychoacoustics and noise ecology. The computer exercises are focused on the statistical processing of various psychological methods of measurement in psychoacoustics.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

3

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Entry knowledge

Knowledge of basic psycho-acoustic variables and basic knowledge in the area of random variables and statistical data processing are required.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Evaluation of study results follow the BUT Rules for Studies and Examinations and Dean's Regulation complementing the BUT Rules for Studies and Examinations. Up to 20 points are awarded for the tests in theoretical knowledge in the laboratory exercises. Up to 20 points can be obtained for correct results and elaboration of all laboratory exercises. The minimal scope of the elaboration of a particular laboratory exercise and the complementary questions are specified by a regulation issued by the guarantor of the course and updated for every academic year. Up to 60 points are given for the final written examination, and it is necessary to get at least 20 points for its successful completion.
It is obligatory to undergo all laboratory exercises in regular or alternative terms to complete the course. Other forms of checked instruction are specified by a regulation issued by the guarantor of the course and updated for every academic year.

Aims

The aim of the course is to acquaint students with the preparation, realization and evaluation of psychoacoustic experiments.
On completion of the course, students are able to:
- explain the theoretical foundations of psychological measurements,
- choose the appropriate method for a given psychoacoustic experiment,
- select a suitable group of respondents for a given psychoacoustic experiment,
- perform a psychoacoustic experiment,
- process the results of a psychoacoustic experiment using an appropriate statistical method.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

HOWARD, D.,M., ANGUS, J., Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 4th ed. Focal Press, 2009. ISBN 978-0240521756 (CS)
MELKA, A.: Základy experimentální psychoakustiky. Nakladatelství Akademie múzických umění v Praze, Praha. 2005. ISBN 80-7331-043-0 (CS)
Zwicker, E., Fastl, H. Psychoacoustics, Facts and Models, 2rd ed. Springer-Verlag, 1999. ISBN 978-3540231592 (CS)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme MPC-AUD Master's

    specialization AUDM-TECH , 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
    specialization AUDM-ZVUK , 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

12 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

  1. Theoretical foundations of psychological measurements
  2. A psychoacoustic experiment
  3. Measurement methods in psychoacoustics
  4. Psychoacoustic quantities
  5. Subjective measurement of sound quality
  6. Standards for psychoacoustic measurements 

Exercise in computer lab

14 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

  • Getting familiar with the laboratory
  • Comparison test and multiple-stimulus test
  • Double-blind test with three stimuli and a hidden reference
  • ANOVA method
  • Design and implementation of a comparative test on an ordinal scale
  • Design and implementation of a comparative test of audio codecs
  • Alternate term for laboratory exercises, test from laboratory exercises