Dichotomy and perceptual distortions in absolute pitch ability
Dichotomy and perceptual distortions in absolute pitch ability
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DOI：
10.1073/pnas.0703868104
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发表时间：
2007-09-11
影响因子：
11.1
通讯作者：
Gitschier, Jane
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Athos, E. Alexandra;Levinson, Barbara;Gitschier, Jane
绝对音高 (AP) 是一种罕见的无需参考音调即可识别音调音高的能力。了解 AP 的本质和起源可以深入了解听觉系统的神经可塑性。我们探讨了在 AP 受试者特征发展过程中和晚年可能影响音高感知准确性的因素。我们使用基于网络的调查和音调标签测试来收集 2,213 名个人的感知数据，其中 981 人 (44%) 被证明具有非凡的音调命名能力。音调命名能力的双峰分布表明 AP 作为一种独特的感知特征，可能对其遗传基础产生影响。这些丰富的数据使我们能够发现意想不到的音符命名违规行为，暗示以音符“A”为中心的“感知磁铁”。此外，我们记录了音高命名准确性随着年龄的增长而逐渐下降，其特点是感知向“尖锐”方向转变。这些发现既说明了 AP 的获取过程，也说明了其稳定性。
Absolute pitch (AP) is the rare ability to identify the pitch of a tone without the aid of a reference tone. Understanding both the nature and genesis of AP can provide insights into neuroplasticity in the auditory system. We explored factors that may influence the accuracy of pitch perception in AP subjects both during the development of the trait and in later age. We used a Web-based survey and a pitch-labeling test to collect perceptual data from 2,213 individuals, 981 (44%) of whom proved to have extraordinary pitch-naming ability. The bimodal distribution in pitch-naming ability signifies AP as a distinct perceptual trait, with possible implications for its genetic basis. The wealth of these data has allowed us to uncover unsuspected note-naming irregularities suggestive of a "perceptual magnet" centered at the note "A." In addition, we document a gradual decline in pitch-naming accuracy with age, characterized by a perceptual shift in the "sharp" direction. These findings speak both to the process of acquisition of AP and to its stability.