The role of cognitive and sensory functions in pitch-matching ability

• Grant number: 20/10310-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2020
• End date: October 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Speech Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Caroline Nunes Rocha-Muniz
• Grantee: Luana Guerino
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo (FCMSCSP). Fundação Arnaldo Vieira de Carvalho. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Pitch Matching ability is the ability for imitation of a wide range of target sounds on which acoustic model vocally. and for that it is necessary that the individual has integrity in the peripheral and central auditory system, thus being able to perceive the sound stimulus with its various acoustic characteristics. Previous research has supported the relationship between auditory processing and vocal pitch matching accuracy. However, there is no consensus about mechanisms that underlie the vocal pitch matching. The purpose of this study is investigating the cognitive functions and temporal auditory processing influences in the pitch matching. Thirty normal young adults will participate in the study. All individuals will be subjected to tests that will assess cognitive mechanisms (sustained attention and working memory) and sensory skills of auditory processing (frequency pattern test, Gaps in Noise Test) and the pitch-matching test (ability for imitation of a frequency vocally). The analysis of the results will be made from the correlation between the performance in the evaluated tests. In addition, we will verify if the assertiveness for vocal reproduction was influenced by the performance in the tests of attention, memory, TPF and GIN. Our hypothesis is that both - higher cognitive functions (such as sustained attention and working memory) and auditory sensory skills (such as temporal auditory processing) - are associated with pitch-matching.