Psychology

Perceptual fusion of musical notes by native Amazonians suggests universal representations of musical intervals

M. J. Mcpherson, S. E. Dolan, et al.

This fascinating study by Malinda J. McPherson and colleagues explores the influence of universal perceptual mechanisms versus cultural factors on how musical notes are perceived. Findings reveal that both Westerners and native Amazonians exhibit a greater tendency to fuse note combinations based on simple integer ratios, pointing towards a shared perceptual phenomenon, while cultural influences shape aesthetic preferences for consonant intervals.

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Abstract

This study investigated whether the perception of musical notes as a single sound ('fusion') is influenced by universal perceptual mechanisms or cultural factors. Westerners and native Amazonians with limited Western music exposure were tested on their ability to perceive note combinations as single or multiple sounds. Both groups showed greater fusion for note combinations related by simple integer ratios (consonant intervals), suggesting a universal perceptual basis for this phenomenon. However, only Westerners displayed a preference for consonant intervals, indicating that aesthetic judgments are influenced by cultural experience.

Publisher

NATURE COMMUNICATIONS

Published On

Jun 03, 2020

Authors

Malinda J. McPherson, Sophia E. Dolan, Alex Durango, Tomas Ossandon, Joaquín Valdés, Eduardo A. Undurraga, Nori Jacoby, Ricardo A. Godoy, Josh H. McDermott

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