Remote testing for psychological and physiological acoustics: Initial report of the ASA P&P Task Force on Remote Testing

Abstract

Acoustics research involving human participants typically takes place in specialized laboratory settings. Listening studies, for example, may present controlled sounds using calibrated transducers in sound-attenuating or anechoic chambers. In contrast, remote testing takes place away from the lab, in natural settings or in participants' homes. Remote testing can potentially provide greater access to participants, larger sample sizes, and enhanced ecological validity, at the cost of reduced acoustical control, standardization, calibration, and consistency of participant experiences. Emerging technologies can ameliorate some drawbacks, and potentially support new forms of robust research via remote testing. The ASA Technical Committee on Psychological and Physiological Acoustics (P&P) launched the Task Force on Remote Testing in May 2020, with goals of (1) surveying approaches and platforms available to support remote testing by ASA members, (2) identifying challenges and considerations for prospective investigators, and (3) communicating this information via online resources, papers, and presentations. Longer-term goals include identifying best practices and providing resources for evaluating outcomes of remote testing to facilitate via peer review. This presentation will describe the activities of the P&P Task Force on Remote Testing, online resources identified and/or developed by Task Force members, and additional opportunities for ASA members to contribute.