A qualitative approach to investigate indoor soundscape of the built environment

Abstract

Soundscape approach takes advantage of both quantitative and qualitative research methods. So far, there have been five main research tools to collect and analyze data. Quantitative ones are consisted of, questionnaire surveys, psychoacoustic measurements and semantic differential scales, while the qualitative ones are observation protocol and interviews. Qualitative methods are mostly used in order to describe and explore the relevant aspects of soundscape especially when there is limited knowledge. Indoor soundscape research has implemented the qualitative approach of Grounded Theory (GT) to identify and define the sound environment. GT is a less frequently used but a more user-centered method that can systematically analyze individual's subjective perception of the soundscape in the built environment. This paper presents the way of Grounded Theory (GT) applications and findings of indoor soundscape researches conducted by the authors which took place in four different indoor spaces: Museum, Historical religious space, High school environment and Open-plan office. The results indicate that core categories of the framework, such as the context of sound, are similar with others, while some categories are different, possibly due to the function of the indoor space.