Abstract
Signal words, such as DANGER and WARNING have been used in print (visual) warnings with the intention of evoking different levels of perceived hazard. However, there is limited research on whether auditory presentation of these words connote different levels of perceived hazard. In the present study, five voiced signal words were used to produce sound clips each composed of the words spoken three times and were manipulated according to the following factors: speaker gender, word unit duration (fast, slow), inter-word interval, (short, long), with the sound level held constant. Results indicate that the sound clips with short word unit duration were given higher carefulness ratings than long word unit duration (ps < .01). The results showed a similar pattern of ratings for the signal words as shown in research using print presentations. Implications for the design of voiced warnings are described.
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