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The influence of company identity on the perception of vehicle sounds

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Humphreys, Louise, Giudice, Sebastiano D., Jennings, P. A. (Paul A.), Cain, Rebecca, Song, Wookeun and Dunne, Garry. (2011) The influence of company identity on the perception of vehicle sounds. Ergonomics, Volume 54 (Number 4). pp. 338-346. ISSN 0014-0139

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2011.558637

Abstract

In order to determine how the interior of a car should sound, automotive manufacturers often rely on obtaining data from individual evaluations of vehicle sounds. Company identity could play a role in these appraisals, particularly when individuals are comparing cars from opposite ends of the performance spectrum. This research addressed the question: does company identity influence the evaluation of automotive sounds belonging to cars of a similar performance level and from the same market segment? Participants listened to car sounds from two competing manufacturers, together with control sounds. Before listening to each sound, participants were presented with the correct company identity for that sound, the incorrect identity or were given no information about the identity of the sound. The results showed that company identity did not influence appraisals of high performance cars belonging to different manufacturers. These results have positive implications for methodologies employed to capture the perceptions of individuals. Statement of Relevance: A challenge in automotive design is to set appropriate targets for vehicle sounds, relying on understanding subjective reactions of individuals to such sounds. This paper assesses the role of company identity in influencing these subjective reactions and will guide sound evaluation studies, in which the manufacturer is often apparent.

Item Type:

Journal Article

Subjects:

B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor
T Technology > TL Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics

Divisions:

Faculty of Science > WMG (Formerly the Warwick Manufacturing Group)

Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):

Human engineering, Decision making, Automobiles -- Design and construction, Automobile sounds -- Physiological aspects, Corporate image, Auditory perception

Journal or Publication Title:

Ergonomics

Publisher:

Taylor & Francis Ltd.

ISSN:

0014-0139

Official Date:

2011

Dates:

Date	Event
2011	UNSPECIFIED

Volume:

Volume 54

Number:

Number 4

Page Range:

pp. 338-346

Identification Number:

10.1080/00140139.2011.558637

Status:

Peer Reviewed

Publication Status:

Published

Funder:

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

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