Comparison of Techniques for Discriminating Among Talkers

Abstract

Two studies were conducted to compare performance in distinguishing among talkers by (1) direct listening test, (2) use of ratings on psychophysical scales and semantic differential scales, and (3) use of simple physical properties of the speech wave form. Particular emphasis was placed on evaluating the information conveyed by listeners' ratings. With a common test population and test format, highest discrimination scores were obtained in direct listening tests. Physical measures ranked second in discriminating among talkers, and rating data provided the poorest discrimination. Despite this relatively poor ranking, rating data tended to be reliable and to contain significant information for discriminating among talkers.