Group listener sessions bias subjective loudspeaker ratings through social signaling

Evidence

With multiple listeners it is difficult to avoid a “group” response. Some people don’t mute verbal sounds signaling their feelings, and others may exhibit body language conveying the same message. This is especially true when anyone in the group is respected for his or her opinion. Such listeners sometimes deliberately reveal their opinions verbally or non-verbally, in which case the test is invalid. Enforce a “no discussion” rule between tests. Single-listener tests are much preferred. — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 1112

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Music’s forms and listener attention reflect the social status of their performers and public — Fredric Jameson, Marxism and Form, 54