Can two people hear different words in the same sound?
One short recording divided listeners into people who heard “Yanny” and people who heard “Laurel.” The disagreement is a chance to look at both the sound reaching the ear and the interpretation a listener builds from it.
Questions you could explore
- What can headphones, speakers, and expectations change about an ambiguous sound?
- What would you need to compare before concluding that two people heard the same signal?
Start reading
- WRAP LabThe Yanny/Laurel Illusion
Speech researchers analyze the acoustic cues and listening conditions behind the Yanny/Laurel illusion.
Ready to try your ideas aloud?
Your topic carries over. Record up to 2½ minutes, depending on your plan.