On Exaggeration of Sound Detail as a Way of Affecting Perceived Realism in Sound Effects and Musical Instruments

Abstract: Based on previous research into realism in sound effects, this experiment was intended to study the effect of exaggerating minor details as a way of increasing perceived realism in sound effects. To do this, a framework for discussing components and subcomponents of sounds was constructed and a listening test designed using the framework was conducted. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to measure the two main effects exaggeration (yes/no) and sound type (musical/non-musical). There was no effect of exaggeration by itself (p = 0.224). Musical sounds were perceived to be more realistic than non-musical sounds (p = 0.004). There was some evidence (p = 0.102), non-significant but interesting, of an interaction effect but it cannot be declared with confidence.