Identification of individuals' emotional response to the indoor soundscape in public study areas via semantic differentiation

Abstract

Aims of this research is to identify individuals' emotional response to the sound environment of public study areas. The research has taken place in the public study areas of Bilkent University Campus. These study areas are located at the Dormitories, the Fine Arts Buildings, the library, and the Faculty of Science. In order to explore individuals' response to the auditory environment, a questionnaire survey and in-situ measurement of sound levels (LAeq) have been conducted. Questionnaire survey consisted of two main parts. In first part students have identified the sound source, how often they hear each one, and their satisfaction with the sound environment. Second part consisted of twelve seven point semantic differential scales (SD). Semantic scales were chosen in order to identify individuals' emotional response to the soundscape. Questionnaire survey are held with 30 student from each public study area, 120 students in total. The data gathered from the questionnaire survey are analysed using IBM SPSS 21 Statistics Software. Factor analysis was used to identify the perceptual dimensions of soundscape. Three factors were identify as a result of the analysis, which are, well-being, activity/communication and functionality. Even though the ANOVA F-Test found no statistically significant difference between the study areas in terms of satisfaction with the soundscapes, each areas has sound environment characteristics.