Phonetic categorization and discrimination of voice onset time under divided attention

Chiu, F. , Rakusen, L.L. and Mattys, S.L. (2020) Phonetic categorization and discrimination of voice onset time under divided attention. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 147(6), EL484-EL490. (doi: 10.1121/10.0001374) (PMID:32611187)

Abstract

Event durations are perceived to be shorter under divided attention. “Time shrinkage” is thought to be due to rapid attentional switches between tasks, leading to a loss of input samples, and hence, an under-estimation of duration. However, few studies have considered whether this phenomenon applies to durations relevant to time-based phonetic categorization. In this study, participants categorized auditory stimuli varying in voice onset time (VOT) as /ɡ/ or /k/. They did so under focused attention (auditory task alone) or while performing a low-level visual task at the same time (divided attention). Under divided attention, there was increased response imprecision but no bias toward hearing /ɡ/, the shorter-VOT sound. It is concluded that sample loss under divided attention does not apply to the perception of phonetic contrasts within the VOT range.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Chiu, Dr Faith
• Authors: Chiu, F., Rakusen, L.L., and Mattys, S.L.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Critical Studies > English Language and Linguistics
• Journal Name: Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
• Publisher: Acoustical Society of America
• ISSN: 0001-4966
• ISSN (Online): 1520-8524
• Published Online: 05 June 2020