Subjective Preference Ratings Research Articles

A spectro-temporal modulation test for predicting speech reception in hearing-impaired listeners with hearing aids

Spectro-temporal modulation (STM) detection sensitivity has been shown to be associated with speech-in-noise reception in hearing-impaired (HI) individuals. Based on previous research, a recent study [Zaar, Simonsen, Dau, and Laugesen (2023). Hear Res 427:108650] introduced an STM test paradigm with audibility compensation, employing STM stimulus variants using noise and complex tones as carrier signals. The study demonstrated that the test was suitable for the target population of elderly individuals with moderate-to-severe hearing loss and showed promising predictions of speech-reception thresholds (SRTs) measured in a realistic set up with spatially distributed speech and noise maskers and linear audibility compensation. The present study further investigated the suggested STM test with respect to (i) test-retest variability for the most promising STM stimulus variants, (ii) its predictive power with respect to realistic speech-in-noise reception with non-linear hearing-aid amplification, (iii) its connection to effects of directionality and noise reduction (DIR+NR) hearing-aid processing, and (iv) its relation to DIR+NR preference. Thirty elderly HI participants were tested in a combined laboratory and field study, collecting STM thresholds with a complex-tone based and a noise-based STM stimulus design, SRTs with spatially distributed speech and noise maskers using hearing aids with non-linear amplification and two different levels of DIR+NR, as well as subjective reports and preference ratings obtained in two field periods with the two DIR+NR hearing-aid settings. The results indicate that the noise-carrier based STM test variant (i) showed optimal test-retest properties, (ii) yielded a highly significant correlation with SRTs (R2=0.61) exceeding and complementing the predictive power of the audiogram, (iii) yielded significant correlation (R2=0.51) with the DIR+NR-induced SRT benefit, and (iv) did not provide significant correlation with subjective preference for DIR+NR settings in the field. Overall, the suggested STM test represents a valuable tool for diagnosing speech-reception problems that remain when hearing-aid amplification has been provided and the resulting need for and benefit from DIR+NR hearing-aid processing.

Gaze correlates of view preference: Comparing natural and urban scenes

When looking out of a window, natural views are usually associated with restorative qualities and are given a higher preference than urban scenes. Previous research has shown that gaze behaviour might differ based on the natural or urban content of views. A lower number of fixations has been associated with the aesthetic evaluation of natural scenes while, when looking at an urban environment, a high preference has been correlated with more exploratory gaze behaviours. To characterise gaze correlates of view preference across natural and urban scenes, we collected and analysed experimental data featuring subjective preference ratings, eye-tracking measures, verbal reasoning associated with preference and nature relatedness scores. Consistent with the literature, our results confirm that natural scenes are more preferred than urban views and that gaze behaviours depend on view type and preference. Observing natural scenes was characterised by lower numbers of fixations and saccades, and longer fixation durations, compared to urban views. However, for both view types, most preferred scenes led to more fixations and saccades. Our findings also showed that nature relatedness may be correlated with visual exploration of scenes. Individual preferences and personality attributes, therefore, should be accounted for in studies on view preference and gaze behaviour.

Towards an optimum colour preference metric for white light sources: a comprehensive investigation based on empirical data.

Colour preference is a critical dimension for describing the colour quality of lighting and numerous metrics have been proposed. However, due to the variation amongst psychophysical studies, consensus has not been reached on the best approach to quantify colour preference. In this study, 25 typical colour quality metrics were comprehensively tested based on 39 groups of psychophysical data from 19 published visual studies. The experimental results showed that two combined metrics: the arithmetic mean of the gamut area index (GAI) and colour rendering index (CRI) and the colour quality index (CQI), a combination of the correlated colour temperature (CCT) and memory colour rendering index (MCRI), exhibit the best performance. Qp in the colour quality scale (CQS) and MCRI also performed well in visual experiments of constant CCT but failed when CCT varied, which highlights the dependence of certain metrics on contextual lighting conditions. In addition, it was found that some weighted combinations of an absolute gamut-based metric and a colour fidelity metric exhibited superior performance in colour preference prediction. Consistent with such a result, a novel metric named MCPI (colour preference index based on meta-analysis) was proposed by fitting the large psychophysical dataset, and this achieved a significantly higher weighted average correlation coefficient between metric predictions and subjective preference ratings.

Computational modeling of choice-induced preference change: A Reinforcement-Learning-based approach.

The value learning process has been investigated using decision-making tasks with a correct answer specified by the external environment (externally guided decision-making, EDM). In EDM, people are required to adjust their choices based on feedback, and the learning process is generally explained by the reinforcement learning (RL) model. In addition to EDM, value is learned through internally guided decision-making (IDM), in which no correct answer defined by external circumstances is available, such as preference judgment. In IDM, it has been believed that the value of the chosen item is increased and that of the rejected item is decreased (choice-induced preference change; CIPC). An RL-based model called the choice-based learning (CBL) model had been proposed to describe CIPC, in which the values of chosen and/or rejected items are updated as if own choice were the correct answer. However, the validity of the CBL model has not been confirmed by fitting the model to IDM behavioral data. The present study aims to examine the CBL model in IDM. We conducted simulations, a preference judgment task for novel contour shapes, and applied computational model analyses to the behavioral data. The results showed that the CBL model with both the chosen and rejected value's updated were a good fit for the IDM behavioral data compared to the other candidate models. Although previous studies using subjective preference ratings had repeatedly reported changes only in one of the values of either the chosen or rejected items, we demonstrated for the first time both items' value changes were based solely on IDM choice behavioral data with computational model analyses.

View preference in urban environments

With people spending up to 90% of their time in indoor spaces, windows and the visual connection that they afford to the outside, can play an important role in ensuring physical and psychological well-being. This is particularly relevant in urban settings, a substantial part of our lives, whilst still being significantly understudied. What we know from other environments may not translate to cities, and there may be important differences between the expressed preferences of individuals and their behaviour. Therefore, this study sought to define suitable methods and metrics to measure view preference in urban environments. Participants were asked to observe urban views whilst three types of data were collected: subjective preference ratings; eye-tracking measures and verbal reasoning. We found that when views were preferred, the gaze of the observers was more exploratory, with a higher occurrence of fixations and number of saccades. In addition, participants tend to prefer the presence of people, well-maintained buildings and orderly presented colours. A new link was revealed between the degree of visual exploration and the preference rating of a visual scene. This characteristic pattern of oculomotor behaviour may guide the criteria for framing selected views and accordingly inform window design in buildings.

Abstract art paintings, global image properties, and verbal descriptions: An empirical and computational investigation

While global image properties (GIPs) relate to preference ratings in many categories of visual stimuli, this relationship is typically not seen for abstract art paintings. Using computational network science and empirical methods, we further investigated GIPs and subjective preferences. First, we replicated the earlier observation that GIPs do not relate to preferences for abstract art. Next, we estimated the network structure of abstract art paintings using two approaches: the first was based on verbal descriptions and the second on GIPs. We examined the extent to which network measures computed from these two networks (1) related to preference for abstract art paintings and (2) determined affiliation of images to specific art styles. Only semantic-based network predicted the subjective preference ratings and art style. Finally, preference and GIPs differed for sub-groups of abstract art paintings. Our results demonstrate the importance of verbal descriptors in evaluating abstract art, and that it is not useful in empirical aesthetics to treat abstract art paintings as a single category.

A Simulator-based Comparison of a Novel 3D and a Conventional 3D Vision System-surgical Performance and Subjective Ratings

In laparoscopy, novel three-dimensional laparoscopic vision systems (3D LVS) without glasses (3D−) have been invented. While standard 3D LVS with glasses (3D+) have shown advantages over original two-dimensional systems, quantitative comparisons of surgical performance between 3D− and 3D+ systems are still lacking. The aim is to compare the systems in simulated robotic surgery tasks. In a crossover study, 18 medical students performed four basic laparoscopic tasks in the validated Simball Box simulator with authentic surgical instruments by using the 3D+ and 3D− systems. Performance was measured by the number of errors and the task’s duration. Subjective ratings of perceptions and preference were assessed after each test. There were significant, but still minor, advantages for the conventional 3D+ system regarding spatial orientation and sense of depth. Overall, ten and eight subjects preferred 3D+ and 3D− systems, respectively. No significant differences were found in performance, post-operative physicals or eye symptoms. The novel 3D− system was similar to the conventional 3D+ system regarding performance and overall preference, while there were minor advantages for the 3D+ system in the subjective ratings. Since the 3D− system is a new invention, it should have a higher potential of usability improvements.

The whiteness of lighting and colour preference, Part 2: A meta-analysis of psychophysical data

In this work, the correlation between the perceived whiteness of lighting and the corresponding colour preference of observers was comprehensively investigated based on the data of 19 groups of experiments collected from 14 studies. The dataset included 13 experiments with constant correlated colour temperature and 6 experiments with multiple correlated colour temperatures, with illuminance levels ranging from 200 lx to 500 lx. For the five studies implemented by the authors, the subjective ratings of colour preference and the whiteness of lighting were acquired. For other cases, only the preference ratings were collected while the whiteness of lighting was quantified by a measure named degree of neutrality ( Sneutral), which has been validated in our previous work. The meta-analysis results confirm our former statement that people prefer whiter illumination and further specify its prerequisite. That is, the whiteness of lighting generally correlates well with colour preference under the conditions where the candidate lights differed to a certain extent in white. In addition, it was further demonstrated that for the scenarios with multiple correlated colour temperatures ranging from 2500 K to 5500 K people indeed preferred perceptually whiter light chromaticities, while for correlated colour temperatures higher than 5500 K it seemed that they appeared too cold to be preferred.

Facilitating the transition from bright to dim environments

High on the list of desired capabilities for warfighters noted at the 2008 Fort Benning “Lab Day” was the development of combat protective eyewear with lenses that would instantly change the amount of light they transmit, based on incident lighting conditions. We reviewed the investigation regarding the effect of four different protective spectacle lens designs [clear, standard sunglass, step filter (SF), and electro-optical (EO)] on a soldier’s ability to rapidly transition from bright to dim environments. The dependent measures were selected to specifically permit the findings to be evaluated in both clinical and operational terms. A multifactorial analysis of variance revealed global statistically significant interactive effects regarding the viewing lenses, subject marksmanship, and subject visual acuity. The subjective preference ratings indicated a clear preference for the SF and the EO eyewear over no eyewear, the Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL) clear eyewear, and the APEL sun eyewear. Operational performance results while wearing either of these two optical devices (the SF eyewear and the electronic eyewear) are equally effective. Consequently, the fielding of either transition strategy provides equal acceptance and utility by the soldiers using this transitional gear.

Effects of font size and font style of Traditional Chinese characters on readability on smartphones

This study investigated the effects of Traditional-Chinese character sizes and typefaces on both reading time and subjective preference when participants used 5.5-inch smartphones without limiting their viewing distance. An experiment of 3 × 3 completely randomized design with eighteen replicates was employed. One hundred and sixty-two participants performed reading comprehension tasks and subjective preference ratings which were used to measure the readability of nine design combinations. The results suggested that the smaller character size was better than the larger one for reading tasks. Additionally, the most favorite typeface was the Kai or Hei style. These findings might be more appropriate than those of previous studies to be generalized for Traditional-Chinese typographic design on smartphones because the real conditions of operating smartphones were considered in this study.

On the readability of leaders in boundary labeling

External labeling deals with annotating features in images with labels that are placed outside of the image and are connected by curves (so-called leaders) to the corresponding features. While external labeling has been extensively investigated from a perspective of automatization, the research on its readability has been neglected. In this article, we present the first formal user study on the readability of leader types in boundary labeling, a special variant of external labeling that considers rectangular image contours. We consider the four most studied leader types (straight, L-shaped, diagonal, and S-shaped) with respect to their performance, that is, whether and how fast a viewer can assign a feature to its label and vice versa. We give a detailed analysis of the results regarding the readability of the four models and discuss their aesthetic qualities based on the users’ preference judgments and interviews. As a consequence of our experiment, we can generally recommend L-shaped leaders as the best compromise between measured task performance and subjective preference ratings, while straight and diagonal leaders received mixed ratings in the two measures. S-shaped leaders are generally not recommended from a practical point of view.

Development and evaluation of a monitoring-aid system for a nuclear power plant in control room system manipulation.

In an advanced nuclear power plant (NPP), the operators are responsible for monitoring a massive number of alarm parameters. To assist the operators, a monitoring-aid system (MAS), that applies four quality control chart methods, was proposed and evaluated. Two types of MAS, namely, text and graph marks, were proposed and compared with the original display. To validate the proposed MAS, 17 professional engineers and operators were invited to join an experiment. Two different system states, normal and abnormal, were simulated. The operators were asked to manipulate the system, monitor the critical parameters, search for operational procedures, and deal with other secondary tasks. The primary and secondary task performance and heart rate were measured. After each task was conducted, three subjective rating questionnaires, namely, mental workload, situation awareness, and preference ratings, were implemented for the proposed MAS and the original system. With the assistance of the MAS, the alarm detection rate, secondary task performance, and subjective mental workload demonstrate significant improvements. The proposed MAS helps the operators monitor critical parameters. Therefore, the MAS should be considered for implementation with the control panel to increase the safety of NPPs. Furthermore, the MAS could reduce the mental workload might decrease the health hazard of the operators.

Measurement of Acceptable Noise Level with Background Music.

Background and ObjectivesAcceptable noise level (ANL) is a measure of the maximum background noise level (BNL) that a person is willing to tolerate while following a target story. Although researchers have used various sources of target sound in ANL measures, a limited type of background noise has been used. Extending the previous study of Gordon-Hickey & Moore (2007), the current study determined the effect of music genre and tempo on ANLs as possible factors affecting ANLs. We also investigated the relationships between individual ANLs and the familiarity of music samples and between music ANLs and subjective preference.Subjects and MethodsForty-one participants were seperated into two groups according to their ANLs, 29 low-ANL listeners and 12 high-ANL listeners. Using Korean ANL material, the individual ANLs were measured based on the listeners' most comfortable listening level and BNL. The ANLs were measured in six conditions, with different music tempo (fast, slow) and genre (K-pop, pop, classical) in a counterbalanced order.ResultsOverall, ANLs did not differ by the tempo of background music, but music genre significantly affected individual ANLs. We observed relatively higher ANLs with K-pop music and relatively lower ANLs with classical music. This tendency was similar in both low-ANL and high-ANL groups. However, the subjective ratings of music familiarity and preference affected ANLs differently for low-ANL and high-ANL groups. In contrast to the low-ANL listeners, the ANLs of the high-ANL listeners were significantly affected by music familiarity and preference.ConclusionsThe genre of background music affected ANLs obtained using background music. The degree of music familiarity and preference appears to be associated with individual susceptibility to background music only for listeners who are greatly annoyed by background noise (high-ANL listeners).

Evaluation of a Transient Noise Reduction Algorithm in Cochlear Implant Users.

Dealing with environmental noises presents a major issue for cochlear implant (CI) users. Hence, digital noise reduction (DNR) schemes have become important features of CI systems. Many noises like for example clinking glasses or slamming doors, have impulsive onsets and decay quickly. Common DNR algorithms cannot handle this type of noise in an appropriate way. In this study, we investigated the effect of an algorithm specially designed for such noises with 12 CI users (age range: 45 to 75 years). Speech scores in noise and quiet as well as subjective ratings of speech clarity, comfort and overall preference were measured. The main finding was a significant improvement of up to 1.7 dB of the speech reception threshold in noise as well as increased speech clarity. Speech in quiet was not negatively affected by the algorithm. The study revealed that the tested algorithm has the potential to improve CI listening. However, further research is needed regarding the effectiveness and suitability of the algorithm in daily use.

The effect of key size of touch screen virtual keyboards on productivity, usability, and typing biomechanics.

We investigated whether different virtual keyboard key sizes affected typing force exposures, muscle activity, wrist posture, comfort, and typing productivity. Virtual keyboard use is increasing and the physical exposures associated with virtual keyboard key sizes are not well documented. Typing forces, forearm/shoulder muscle activity, wrist posture, subjective comfort, and typing productivity were measured from 21 subjects while they were typing on four different virtual keyboards with square key sizes, which were 13, 16, 19, and 22 mm on each side with 2-mm between-key spacing. The results showed that virtual keyboard key size had little effect on typing force, forearm muscle activity, and ulnar/radial deviation. However, the virtual keyboard with the 13-mm keys had a 15% slower typing speed (p < .0001), slightly higher static (10th percentile) shoulder muscle activity (2% maximum voluntary contractions, p = .0 I), slightly greater wrist extension in both hands (2 degrees to 3 degrees, p <.01), and the lowest subjective comfort and preference ratings (p < .1). The study findings indicate that virtual keyboards with a key size less than 16 mm may be too small for touch typing given the slower typing speed, higher static shoulder muscle activity, greater wrist extension, and lowest subjective preferences. We evaluated the effects of virtual keyboard key sizes on typing force exposures, muscle activity, comfort, and typing productivity.

Design and Evaluation of a Differential Speedometer

Differential speedometers are gauges that continually display real-time over/under vehicle speed relative to the current speed limit. Use of these gauges may increase situation awareness and reduce driver workload. The design of such a gauge, however, is critical to its usability and its effect on driver performance. Thirty differential speedometer designs were brainstormed and subsequently down-selected to nine gauges using a heuristic assessment. The selected gauges were then tested for usability in a desktop study. Participants answered questions regarding vehicle speed with respect to the current speed limit using information presented on the gauges. Understanding was assessed by measuring the response time and accuracy of the participants’ response. Subjective ratings of usability and overall gauge preference were also obtained. Results were used to select three gauge designs for future study in a vehicle simulator for the purpose of selecting an optimal design of a differential speedometer.

Preference suppression caused by misattribution of task-irrelevant subliminal motion

It is well known that subjects tend to misattribute task-irrelevant signals, incorporating them into the information on which a decision is made. Such misattribution has been reported to originate only from a social or a cognitive stage of information processing. However, we provide the initial evidence that misattribution also originates at a lower, visuomotor stage. This type of misattribution occurs only when subjects do not notice a visuomotor conflict. Misattribution at a social or a cognitive stage facilitates decision-making if the misattributed information is consistent with the decision and impedes decision-making if the information is in conflict with the decision. However, misattribution originating at a visuomotor stage only impedes decision-making, suggesting a fundamental difference between the mechanisms for the two types of misattribution. Furthermore, misattribution effects that originate in a visuomotor interaction stage also affect subjective preference ratings, suggesting that the misattribution exerts an influence on global brain processing.

Effects of handle orientation and between-handle distance on bi-manual isometric push strength

Hand–handle interface is seldom considered in contemporary upper limb biomechanical analyses of pushing and pulling strength. A laboratory study was designed to examine if handle rotation in the frontal plane (0°-horizontal, 45°, and 90°-vertical), anterior tilt (0°-parallel to the frontal plane, and 15°), and distance between two handles (31 and 48.6cm) affect pushing strength and subjective rating of handle preference. A special testing station was constructed to elicit upper limb push exertions that involved minimal contribution of the torso and legs. Within the station, four load cells were used to measure the horizontal (forward pushing) and vertical components of the pushing forces. Thirty-one participants performed seated bi-manual pushing strength tests. Comparing to the reference handle configuration (horizontal, straight, and a 31-cm between-handle distance), the 45°-rotated and tilted handles with a 31-cm between-handle distance allowed 6.7% more pushing output, while the horizontal and tilted handles with a 31-cm between-handle distance resulted in 2.8% less. Subjective preference was correlated with normalized pushing strength (r=0.89). Tilted handles, at 45°-rotated and vertical positions received highest subjective ratings of preference among all handle configurations. Men exerted greater pushing strength with the 48.6-cm handle distance while women’s capacity was greatest with the 31-cm distance. The results demonstrated that handle rotation and tilt angles affected pushing strength and should be taken into consideration when evaluating or designing pushing tasks.

A variable-number tandem repeat polymorphism in PER3 is not associated with chronotype in a population with self-reported sleep problems

We examined whether a variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism in the circadian clock gene PER3 was associated with subjective ratings of sleep and diurnal preference in a Romanian population with high levels of self-reported sleep problems. Individuals, self-reporting to their GP for sleep disturbances, completed a battery of validated scales that assess the presence of insomnia, sleep quality and diurnal preference and had their PER3 VNTR genotype determined. We found no significant differences in chronotype, sleep quality or other psychometric measures according to PER3 VNTR and conclude that diurnal preference or self-reported sleep measures are not associated with PER3 genotype in this population.

Sensor Choice for Parameter Modulations in Digital Musical Instruments: Empirical Evidence from Pitch Modulation

This paper describes ongoing research into the design of new digital musical instruments (DMIs). While many new DMIs have been created using a variety of sensors, there has been relatively little empirical research into determining the optimal choice of sensor for control of specific musical functions. In this paper we attempt to identify an optimal choice of sensor for the control of parameter modulations in a DMI. Two experiments were conducted. In the first, pianists and violinists were tested on three strategies for producing pitch modulations. Both subjective user ratings and objective performance scores were analysed. The results suggest that modulated applied pressure is the optimal control for pitch modulation. Preference and performance did not appear to be directly mediated by previous musical experience. In the second experiment, the accuracy, stability and depth of modulation were measured for a number of musicians performing modulations with each of three control strategies. Results indicate that some options offer improved stability or accuracy over others and that performance with all strategies is significantly dependent on the speed of modulation. Overall results show that the optimal choice of sensor should be based on a combination of subjective user preference ratings and objective performance measurements.