Pitch Contrast in Meter Perception

Author

Nigel O. Lay, University of Tennessee - Knoxville

Date of Award

5-2008

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Major

Psychology

Major Professor

John C. Malone

Committee Members

Howard R. Pollio, Mark Hedrick

Abstract

The role of large pitch contrasts in meter perception of three-pulse-train polyrhythms was investigated. Subjects were presented with several polyrhythmic configurations having both small and large pitch contrasts and were asked to tap the meter, or beat. Some subjects preferred meters based on the lower-pitch and slowerprogressing pulse trains, while others preferred unit-based meters. Results revealed that three-pulse-train polyrhythms with large pitch contrast do not result in notably different meter perceptions from those with smaller pitch contrast. These results support previous findings which showed that meter is determined by multiple factors, such as pulse-train pitch and relative pulse-train tempo.

Recommended Citation

Lay, Nigel O., "Pitch Contrast in Meter Perception. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 2008.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/396