Very true; or a result that just reflects a difference not neccessarily an improvement. One of the aspects of this theory says that any individual exposed to a test that requires a positive or negative reaction will always feel impelled to give a reaction of some sort whether or not there is a percieved difference. Statistically there is a low incidence of null outcomes due to this effect. So; even if you hear no discernable change you still feel as if there is a change in order to justify your participation in the test. Thats the pschycological payback.
Wayne Parham Messages: 18793 Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)
You know, I've noticed that as well, especially in audio because of a sort of "Emporer's New Clothes" kind of thing. Sometimes, two components sound and measure exactly the same, but if one is significantly more expensive, it seems that people want to appear "golden eared" enough to hear it. It's like audio peer pressure or something. I find it refreshing to find people who are confident enough to admit when they don't hear a difference.
Wayne Parham Messages: 18793 Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)
I see what you mean. It is sort of like the comparison sets a standard to be judged against. If people tend to like a certain thing, then compared items may be judged unfavorably even if superior. So if, for example, three sound systems have midrange bloom and a fourth has much truer response, it might be judged to be inferior by most people, simply because it was noticeably different. That's an intersting observation, and I can see it in people's resistance to change, even if the change is good.
Thats it. Thats how I read it. My question is whether this is a consideration when formulating comparison tests and why it is not mentioned in those types of discussions.
Actually I brought it up assuming it was a well known phenomena; possibly discredited or already accounted for in some way. I thought I would get an explanation of why it did not matter or if not, then how it was implemented. So; who knows.
I agree with the golden ear syndrome but I think in this case where the objects understudy have their identities masked that would not apply.
I went to a meeting of the Audio Society and at the time I had my E.A.R at the shop for routine maintainence. When the part of the meeting came and we were asked to speak about our components I said I was using my Dyna ST 70 as an amp. You would have thought I said I had cancer; the looks of sympathy and the heads lowered was comical. Meanwhile the ST 70 sounded better and more musical than some of the expensive stuff demoed there.
Yeah; we can dream can't we. When I was a kid there was a Ford dealer up the block. They had the Shelby 427 version in the showroom, it was funny to see all the kids lined up and staring at the car like the little rascals.
Posting Rules
Members
Search
Help
Register
Login
Get a T-Shirt!
