The impact of music modality on the perception of communication situations in video sequences

Abstract

This experiment investigated the impact of the major and minor modes of a melody on perceptions of communication in a short video sequence. Three variables were manipulated: the first shot portrayed a male actor who had either a happy, neutral, or sad facial expression; the second shot depicted either a pleasant or unpleasant situation; the sound track for each version of the videotape consisted of a melody in either the major or minor mode. Music modality influenced the perceived favorableness of the situation, and also the perceptions of facial expressions. A prediction about the perceived consistency of the elements in the communication situation was supported.