Perceptual Anchors and the Dispersion of Nasality Ratings

Abstract

Nasality rating reliability/dispersion was influenced by the presence and location of anchor stimuli. Consistent with absolute judgment theory, nasality ratings showed a strong end effect.

A Simplified Vocal Profile Analysis Protocol for the Assessment of Voice Quality and Speaker Similarity

“…The fact that inter-rater agreement seems to depend strongly on particular settings-only some showing certain improvement with linear weighting-makes it necessary to increase the number of training sessions between analysts. Furthermore, better agreement results could be achieved with the use of perceptual anchors, as it has been suggested in previous studies, 59,62 together with clearer definitions of the neutral baseline for the speaker population under evaluation. The search for acoustic correlates of some of the settings showing poorer agreement would be highly necessary as well.…”

Nasalance-Based Preclassification of Oral–Nasal Balance Disorders Results in Higher Agreement of Expert Listeners’ Auditory-Perceptual Assessments: Results of a Retrospective Listening Study

“…These limitations notwithstanding, the results of study 2 indicate that nasalance-based preclassification of oral–nasal balance disorders could be a promising new approach for overcoming the perennial reliability problems that often plague auditory-perceptual assessments of oral–nasal balance. The current literature emphasizes the importance of auditory-perceptual training for clinicians (John et al, 2006; Lee et al, 2009; Sell et al, 2009; Chapman et al, 2016; Galek and Watterson, 2017) but such extensive training may not be realistic or feasible for clinicians who do not work with individuals with oral–nasal balance disorders on a regular basis. Nasalance-based preclassification could potentially be a powerful diagnostic adjunct that may prove particularly helpful especially for new or inexperienced clinicians who are still learning the difficult task of assessing oral–nasal balance disorders.…”

“…Inter-rater reliability can be improved with practice and training (John et al, 2006; Lee et al, 2009; Sell et al, 2009; Chapman et al, 2016). Simply providing novice listeners with perceptual anchors (examples of mild, moderate, and severe hypernasality) also improves inter-rater reliability for hypernasality (Galek and Watterson, 2017). However, the half-life of such training effects is unknown.…”