Modelling expectation in soundscapes

Human response to complex acoustic scenes is a major topic of research at Salford. We have previously shown (Bruce and Davies, 2014) that listener expectation has a significant effect on evaluation of outdoor urban soundscapes. We have since extended our soundscape work to show that similar strategies are used by listeners with complex spatial audio scenes (Woodcock et al., 2016; 2017). We are now applying our models and methods to inform machine listening systems for processing the torrent of everyday audio in networked computer systems (Bones et al., 2016).

There is a gap in our work (and that of other researchers) when it comes to expectation. We know it’s important, but we don’t have a model for it. The goal of this PhD will be to develop a model for how listener expectation influences evaluation of (non-speech, non-music) soundscapes. Simple models exist for music expectation and these will be a likely starting point for this PhD.

You can expect to be able to take advantage of our world-class experimental facilities including anechoic and semi-anechoic chambers, listening room, object-based spatial audio systems, head-tracked binaural system, and so on, as appropriate. You’ll join a thriving research centre and will work alongside PhD students, post-doctoral fellows and senior researchers who are researching related topics. Your results will probably be useful to two of our current large funded projects, called S3A: Future Spatial Audio for an Immersive Listener Experience at Home and Making Sense of Sounds.
EligibilityYou’ll need a good undergraduate degree (1st or 2:1) in a relevant subject such as acoustics, psychology or electronic engineering and you’ll be able to demonstrate a strong interest in auditory perception. Desirable experience includes design of listening tests, statistical analysis, programming (e.g. MATLAB), and scientific publication.
FundingApplication where funding can be secured from other sources will be accepted at any time. For further information visit: www.salford.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/fees-and-funding/research-degree-fees-and-funding
Further information and applyingYou are strongly encouraged to contact Professor Bill Davies at [Email Address Removed] for an informal discussion before you apply. Competition for this fully-funded PhD is expected to be intense and you will benefit from our advice on your application.

For more information on research within the School of Computing Science & Engineering and to make an application please visit: www.salford.ac.uk/research/sirc/postgraduate-research