Individual and Cultural Differences in Sound Perception: An Exploratory Study

Authors

  • Samah Gourari University of Abu Bekr Belkaid, Tlemcen, Algeria
  • Abdelhak Chikhaoui University of Abu Bekr Belkaid, Tlemcen, Algeria
  • Dominik Wróbel PANS Krosno University of Applied Sciences, Poland

Abstract

Most studies on sound perception use a two-dimensional arousal–valence model, plotting responses along pleasant–unpleasant and calm–excited scales. Despite being a valuable method, it oversimplifies auditory experience, often neglecting links to shapes, colours or memories. Moreover, most research on sound perception has focused on participants from Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) societies, leaving many cultures understudied. For example, little research has examined how Algerians experience sounds. Similarly, uncommon sound types such as infrasound or recordings from space have received negligible attention. This study explores how Algerian and international participants perceive a diverse set of sounds, considering not only emotions but also sensations, memory recall, and cross-modal associations, through testing the influence of neurodivergence, musical training, age and gender. An online survey was conducted among a diverse sample (N=94) with strong representation from Algeria. Participants were asked to listen to ten sound clips and report their experiences. The analysis shows low awareness of neurodivergence in Algeria, while geophonic and classical sounds more often trigger memory recall. Neurodivergent participants express greater tolerance for low-frequency sounds and also exhibit distinct colour–shape mappings along with stronger musical training. These results suggest that cultural background, neurodivergence, and musical training all influence how people perceive sound. Instead of relying solely on traditionally “calming” sounds, therapies, educational programmes, and learning environments, they could benefit from more personalised approaches that consider unconventional frequencies and textures, which may be particularly meaningful or enjoyable for certain groups.

Keywords: Sound perception, culture, neurodivergence, musical training, cross-modal associations

Author Biographies

Samah Gourari, University of Abu Bekr Belkaid, Tlemcen, Algeria

Samah Gourari, is a physicist with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics (2024) and currently a Master’s student in Computational Physics at the University of Tlemcen (UABT), Algeria. Her academic path is centered on computational and numerical methods in physics, with a strong focus on machine learning, data analysis, and Monte Carlo simulations for tackling complex physical systems. She has participated in international academic programmes and conferences, where she explored interdisciplinary questions connecting physics with broader human and environmental concerns. Her current research interests include applying advanced computational techniques to quantum physics, as well as exploring the potential of Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) in scientific modelling. She is also engaged in practical projects involving medical imaging and radiology software development. Beyond her main field, she remains curious about interdisciplinary topics, which inspired the present work on sound perception.

Abdelhak Chikhaoui, University of Abu Bekr Belkaid, Tlemcen, Algeria

Abdelhak Chikhaoui is a Professor at the Department of Physics, Abou Bekr Belkaid University of Tlemcen. He holds a PhD in Physics and a University Habilitation (2013). His expertise lies in modelling and simulation of nonlinear systems, electromagnetic phenomena, transport processes and computational physics. His research also covers photonic crystals and renewable energy, with a strong focus on optimisation and energy efficiency. Author of several international publications, he has contributed to the study of optical properties of materials, stability of complex systems, and numerical simulation applied to physics and engineering. He supervises PhD and Master's theses and leads research projects on the applications of modelling in optics and energy. He is also engaged in teaching responsibilities and administrative duties.

Dominik Wróbel, PANS Krosno University of Applied Sciences, Poland

Dominik Wróbel is an Assistant Professor at the State University of Applied Sciences in Krosno. He holds a PhD in Biology (2006) from the Institute of Botany of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Kraków. His research focuses on nature conservation, the diversity of river-valley and wetland vegetation, the spread of invasive species, and selected groups of pteridophytes. He is the author of dozens of scientific articles and application studies, including numerous planning documents for Natura 2000 sites and nature reserves. He lectures on biology, ecology, botany, environmental protection, evolutionism, and natural philosophy.

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Published

2026-02-24

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 1 (2026): Proceedings from the 9th Global Issues Conference

Section

Global Issues Conference Proceedings

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