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Research Article
August 2000

A Comparison of Equal-Appearing Interval Scaling and Direct Magnitude Estimation of Nasal Voice Quality

Publication: Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research
Volume 43, Number 4
Pages 979-988

Abstract

Listeners rated the nasality of synthesized vowels using two psychophysical scaling methods (equal-appearing interval scaling and direct magnitude estimation). A curvilinear relationship between equal-appearing interval ratings and direct magnitude estimations of nasality indicated that nasality is a prothetic rather than metathetic dimension. It also was shown that the use of direct magnitude estimation results in nasality ratings that are more consistent and reliable. The results of this experiment are discussed in relation to other studies that have examined the validity and reliability of equal-appearing interval scaling of voice quality. Additionally, there is a discussion of methodological issues for future research and the implications of the findings for clinical and research purposes.

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Information

Published In

Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research
Volume 43Number 4August 2000
Pages: 979-988

History

  • Received: Apr 30, 1999
  • Accepted: Dec 14, 1999
  • Published in issue: Aug 1, 2000

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Keywords

  1. voice
  2. perception
  3. nasality
  4. scaling

Authors

Affiliations

Richard I. Zraick [email protected]
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Little Rock, AR
Julie M. Liss
Arizona State University Tempe, AZ

Notes

Corresponding author: e-mail: [email protected]

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