Abstract

The present study assessed the effect of various attachment styles on an individual’s perception of looming sounds. This study examined if individuals that scored higher in anxiety and avoidance categories of attachment had a larger looming bias than individuals that scored lower in the insecure categories of attachment style. Participants consisted of 44 college students (12 males and 32 females). Individuals were given 2 surveys to assess his or her attachment style (ECR) and personality traits (TIPI), and were presented with a looming task. The task consisted of a 3-D virtual sound source that approached from the left or the right and passed in from of him or her. Participants were to indicate when they perceived the sound to be directly in from of him or her. An analysis of the results indicated an overall looming bias amongst the population. The current study also found a significant relationship between conscientiousness and looming bias. Results indicated that individuals who scored higher in conscientiousness had a significantly smaller looming bias than individuals that scored low in the personality trait. The present study failed to find a significant relationship between insecure attachment style and looming bias. An analysis of the results found that attachment style did not have a significant effect on an individual’s perception of looming sounds, however, certain personality traits did.

Advisor

Neuhoff, John

Department

Psychology

Disciplines

Cognition and Perception | Developmental Psychology

Keywords

Attachment, Auditory Looming Perception, looming sounds

Publication Date

2016

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2016 Kristyn M. Swanson