Using Sound to Create and Detect Occlusion of an Unseen Sound Source

Abstract

ABSTRACT In contrast to experimental settings, the environment within which we perceive and act contains clutter (objects other than the target of perception and/or action). While numerous empirical investigations have revealed that clutter can significantly affect auditory spatial judgments, the present study is believed to be the first study to investigate the ability of individuals to recognize and produce occlusion when relying solely on sound. Participants in Experiment 1 were presented with the task of reporting whether a sound-producing object was occluded whereas participants in Experiment 2 were required to create the same levels of occlusion participants in Experiment 1 were exposed to. With regard to the detection of occlusion, individuals tended to report the sound source as unoccluded when it was obstructed less than 50% and as occluded when obstructed greater than 50%. When creating occlusion, participants were most accurate at the extremes but less proficient at intermediate levels. Interestingly, the findings further revealed that participant’s initial experience significantly affected their ability to detect, but not create, occlusion. The results of the present study provide strong initial evidence as to the sensitivity of individuals to detect occlusion.