Dynamic intensity change influences perceived pitch: Attentional differences between musicians and nonmusicians

Abstract

The influence of dynamic intensity change on the terminal pitch of ascending frequency glides was tested as a function of terminal frequency and musical experience. Previous work has shown that dynamic intensity change influences perceived pitch [J. G. Neuhoff and M. K. McBeath, J. Exp. Psychol.: Human Percept. Perform. 22, 970–985 (1996)]. In the current study, musicians and nonmusicians were presented with dynamic tones that changed in both frequency and intensity, and made real-time judgments about perceived pitch change. Results show that for both musicians and nonmusicians, the influence of intensity change on perceived pitch lessened as the terminal frequency approached an octave. Musicians were less susceptible to the effects of intensity change for falling intensity but not for rising intensity. The findings suggest that musicians may have better selective attention to dynamic auditory stimulus dimensions, and the influence of a tonal schema may reduce the influence of intensity change on perceived pitch. The results imply an interplay of musical and nonmusical listening strategies and demonstrate that the two are not mutually exclusive.