Abstract

This thesis explored auditory thresholds relating to the cocktail party effect and ringtones. The cocktail party effect describes when meaningful stimuli are able to be detected at lower thresholds when compared to other stimuli. Speech has always been considered special in its perception, especially with its connection to the cocktail party effect; however, other auditory stimuli may also be significant. Previous literature has examined how the motor system may be involved in speech perception and the qualities of speech that make its perception unique. At the same time, other research has examined how other auditory stimuli may also require special attention in studying their perception. Cell phones are of notable importance as they are a big part of many people's lives. On the topic of cell phones, ringtones are relevant and may generate a significant response. This study proposed that familiar ringtones would be picked up at lower thresholds when compared to unfamiliar ringtones. Participants were presented with ringtones at varying volumes amongst crowd noise and were prompted to respond once they heard the desired ringtone. The methods, results, and discussion of this study will be presented in this thesis.

Thesis Completion

2023

Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair/Advisor

McConnell, Daniel

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Psychology

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

5-15-2023

Download

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

COinS