Research note: Preschoolers' responses to auditory and vibroacoustic stimuli

Standley, J.M. (1992). Research note: Preschoolers’ responses to auditory and vibroacoustic stimuli. Psychology of Music, 20(1), p. 80-85.

Affiliations:
Center for Music Research, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA

Abstract:
This study was designed to ascertain whether vibrotactile stimulation ancillary to auditory stimuli would increase attentiveness or auditory comprehension of preschoolers. Ninety-six children aged 3 to 5 years were divided into four auditory stimuli groups (N = 24 each): a musical or non-musical story experienced on a Somatron (a vibroacoustic mattress) or via a tape recorder. Dependent variables were cumulative seconds on-task, comprehension of the story content, and preference for the story/Somatron.

A one-way analysis of variance showed that on-task time ranged from 78% to 88% and was not significantly different among groups. Story comprehension was significantly reduced for both Somatron groups (p<.04, df=3, F=2.78). Neither the vibroacoustic stimulation, nor the music condition significantly affected the preschoolers’ preference for the story. Those hearing the non-musical story with vibration preferred the Somatron significantly more than did the other groups.

Keywords:
Subject Attention, Listening Comprehension, Music, Oral Communication, Vibration, Tactual Stimulation

Weblink:
http://journals1.scholarsportal.info.proxy1.lib.uwo.ca/details/03057356/v20i0001/80_rnprtaavs.xml
doi: 10.1177/0305735692201007