Can visual priming affect the perceived sound quality of a voice signal in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications?

Abstract

Verbal suggestions of loudness changes have been reported to result in significantly higher loudness ratings than those of a control group [1]. This study seeks to extend these results to VoIP applications by implementing visual priming cues within a VoIP interface and assessing their effect on audio quality ratings. A list of common visual priming cues was compiled and cross-referenced with prevalent design features found in popular mobile VoIP Applications. Fourteen participants were divided into two groups: one received embedded priming cues and one did not. Quality ratings were gathered using a MOS rating scale. The results are presented and their relevance discussed.