Perceptual Characteristics of Female Voices

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Abstract
This study attempted to define perceptually salient characteristics in the voices of 30 young adult females, as perceived by female and male listeners. The listeners were asked to rate the voices on 20 individual seven point semantic differential scales representing unique vocal features. The ratings were subjected to factor analysis involving both orthogonal and oblique rotation of the data. Both groups of listeners identified two similar factors, one of which appeared to describe "passive", traditionally feminine characteristics such as soft, gentle, sweet and feminine while the other consisted of "active" characteristics such as lively, colourful, interesting, and sexy. The female listeners found the "active" characteristics more salient while the male listeners preferred the "passive" characteristics. Interestingly the stereotyped association of lowness and breathiness with sexiness was not found in this study. Implications of the results for future voice research are discussed.