That’s What He Said: Gender Inequity in Sound Perception Research

Did you know that women were not required to be included in clinical research in the western world until the 1990s? With many of the fundamental models of sound perception we still use today dating back to research conducted throughout the mid-1900s, it’s no surprise that gender inequities abound. This course will detail the historical roots of gender inequity and bias in sound perception research, contrast that against present day research methods, and explore cutting-edge research that highlights the many roles that gender may play in sound perception, as well as in singing, and why those roles may impact research outcomes.

Attendees will be encouraged to share their thoughts on: various sound examples, how they believe gender manifests in sound perception, and their experiences and observations of gender bias and inequities in the field. With a deeper understanding of what we know and what we don’t know regarding the role of gender in sound perception, attendees will be empowered to leave this course with a newfound curiosity and scrutiny of past and present sound perception models and a drive to push the field forward to be more inclusive and equitable.