RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Production of Nonverbal Acoustic Signals and Resulting Physiological Responses

This research is looking into how humans make non-spoken sounds, such as laughs, cries, grunts, or screams. Just like many animals, we use these sounds in different situations. Even though these sounds are a big part of how we communicate, we don't fully understand how they work or what their purpose is. This study aims to learn more about these non-verbal signals. Researchers want to find out what kind of information these sounds carry and what makes us produce them. By understanding these signals better, we can learn more about human behaviour and how we express ourselves beyond just spoken words. This is an important step in understanding a key part of human communication.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne

Enrolment target

2,000

Start

08 Mar 2023

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2027

Self-Perception

What is this study about?

You know how sometimes you might grunt when you lift something heavy, laugh when you hear a good joke, or cry when you're sad? These are all non-spoken sounds, and they're a big part of how we express ourselves. This study is all about these kinds of sounds – things like screams, grunts, roars, cries, and laughter.

Even though we make these sounds all the time, and some, like crying, even start from birth, we actually don't know much about how our bodies make them or why we use them. Think of it like this: animals use specific barks, calls, or growls to communicate important things. Humans do too, but our non-spoken sounds haven't been studied in the same way.

The main goal of this research is to understand these non-spoken signals better. We want to find out what kind of information these sounds carry (for example, can a cry tell you if someone is sad or angry?) and what factors make us produce them. This study is part of a bigger, ongoing project to really get to grips with this important but overlooked area of human communication.

Key takeaways

Researchers want to understand non-spoken human sounds (like laughs, cries, grunts).
It's about learning how we make these sounds and what information they carry.
Aims to fill gaps in our knowledge of human communication.
Ages 18-80 are invited, both men and women.
You cannot participate if you have voice/hearing issues or are a heavy smoker.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be aged between 18 and 80 years old. You should have some form of national insurance or social security. Both men and women are welcome.

However, there are some reasons why you might not be able to join. You cannot participate if you are pregnant, or if you have any problems with your voice or hearing that make it difficult to speak or hear clearly. This also includes any major health problems that could affect your participation.

You also can't be a regular heavy smoker, which means smoking more than 10 cigarettes a day. This is because smoking can affect your voice and health, which might influence the study's results.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 80 years old?
Do you have a National Insurance number or similar social security?
Are you currently not pregnant?
Do you have good hearing and no problems with your voice?
Do you smoke 10 cigarettes or fewer per day?
Are you generally in good health without major medical conditions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The information provided does not detail the specific steps or duration of participation. However, it is likely that taking part would involve visiting a research facility to perform certain vocal sounds. You would probably be asked to make a range of non-spoken sounds, and these might be recorded. There is no mention of medication, follow-up visits, or specific assessments. The total duration of your involvement in the study is not specified but would typically be explained in full by the research team before you agree to take part.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part include contributing to our understanding of human communication. While there are no direct health benefits as this is not a treatment study, your participation helps scientists gain important knowledge. Risks are expected to be very low, but might include slight vocal fatigue from making sounds, or feeling uncomfortable in a research setting. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without having to explain why.

Locations (1)

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint-Etienne
Verified postcode
Saint-Etienne, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of 'non-spoken sounds' will I be asked to make?

You might be asked to produce sounds like laughs, cries, grunts, or even screams. The study wants to understand everyday non-verbal communication.

Will my voice be recorded?

The information doesn't specifically say, but it is very likely that your sounds would be recorded to allow researchers to study them in detail.

How long will I need to be involved in the study?

The study information doesn't specify the duration. The researchers will give you full details about the time commitment before you agree to participate.

Will I get paid for taking part?

The summary doesn't mention payment. This is a good question to ask the research team if you decide to find out more.

Is this study safe?

Yes, this study is considered very safe. It's about making sounds, not taking medication or having medical procedures. Any potential discomfort would be minor and temporary.

How to find out more

ROLAND PEYRON, MDPhD

roland.peyron@chu-st-etienne.fr (0)477127805 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.