On the interaction of sensory experience, causal attributive cognitions and visual context parameters in noise annoyance.

This article discussed the interaction of sensory experience, causal attributive cognitions and visual stimuli upon the level of annoyance caused by specific noise levels. Six models for the interaction of sensory (k1) and attributive (k2) cognitions were provided and tested by field studies. Noise emission of various sources (highway, urban traffic, urban railway or industrial noise) were sampled for 24 hours and the energy equivalent noise level (ld) for each source calculated. Questionnaires were sent to residents consisting of questions which measured sensory experiences (k1 cognitions) related to the loudness, frequency and noise emission at the site. K2 cognitions were evaluated by indications of disturbed daily activities, induced negative emotions, somatic disturbances and reduced outdoor activities. The effect of the visual appearance of the site upon the noise annoyance was studied by sampling the visual appearance and noise emission parameters for 24 streets in 2 towns in Germany and Switzerland. Noise level and the residents' annoyance values were measured by direct scaling techniques, as well as by k1 and k2 cognitions. Visual stimuli were measured using a modified bipolar rating scale system intended to measure the visual impact of house facades. Two topics were added: "green" and "traffic". 24 students rated the slides of each site. Visual aesthetic context of the environment was found to influence the effect of acoustic stressors. For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 820771. (TRRL)