User Perceptions of Sound Quality: Implications for the Design and Use of Audio-Based Mobile Applications

Abstract

where he investigates the cognitive mechanisms underpinning how people think, such as how people reason and make decisions, uses this knowledge to improve their thinking. He received his

The Role of Subjective Quality Judgements in User Preferences for Mobile Learning Apps

“…With respect to the second hypothesis regarding the perceived sound quality using different devices, the pattern of data here was somewhat different from that found in the most recent study by our lab [12] with a UK-based sample. On the other hand, the pattern of results was more similar to that found in the first study [10].…”

“…The participants were then asked to use one of two mobile learning applications for a few minutes. Following this, they were asked to rate the audio and video quality as well as the perceived suitability of each device being used for each software application and the likelihood that they would use that application on a seven-point scale, as in references [10,12]. Finally, the participants were also asked to rank each device (iPhone, iPad mini, and iPad) according to which they felt would give the best sound quality.…”

“…We used several questionnaires derived from [10,12]. There were general demographic, language, and musical training background questionnaires.…”

“…At that time, generic audio clips were perceived as being inferior in quality when delivered on a phone as compared to a tablet. On the other hand, research done a few years later [12] showed somewhat different trends, with phones rating higher in perceived sound quality compared to tablets. The discrepancy between the different studies was attributed to the different positioning in terms of markets for phones and smartphones in the intervening years (smartphones were much more ubiquitous in 2017 than in 2013 when testing was done).…”

“…This study builds on previous studies [10,12] that explored affordance of phones versus tablets for learning applications that heavily used sound. Those studies highlighted differences in user perceptions of sound quality, which may in turn impact on the learning and user experience.…”