Abstract

     People who visit restaurants (cafeterias, pubs, cafes) to have a meal there encounter three kinds of soundscapes: the sounds created by other customers, the sounds from outside (the street), and the sounds provided by the music systems which are run in most public places; none of these soundscapes are under the control of the visitors. Thus the question arises, what do they actually want, and do they like what they experience in this kind of environment?

     In an exploratory socio-psychological field study, the following issues were investigated: what sound levels do occur in eating places; whether customers in principal want music to be present or absent; the desired content and level of music if they prefer to have music; their perceptions and evaluations of the actual music situation they face when frequenting a restaurant; and how the existing soundscapes relate to the purpose of their restaurant visit. The study design considered different types of restaurants, and data were collected through personal interviews of customers in these places; altogether 72 people participated. The views of management and staff were also explored.

     Furthermore, several series of sound measurements were conducted, recording both peak and average sound levels (i.e., 3-minute Leq scores).

     The results indicate that customers have specific preferences, and that their overall satisfaction with a restaurant visit is influenced by their evaluation of the music soundscape they encounter. Although the measured sound levels in most restaurants were considerable (Leq's up to 85 dB[A], with frequent peaks well above 100), most customers accept these levels. It seems that the culture of restaurant environments has changed - rather loud soundscapes are liked or at least tolerated, and quiet situations not much searched for. These findings can be interpreted as part of a wider context: quietness has become rare, and a need for music in about every kind of public place may become dominant.

Biography

     Dr. Bernd ROHRMANN is Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne/Australia; he also holds an Adjunct Professorship at the University of Mannheim/Germany. His main areas include: applied social research, environmental psychology, and research methodology. Special substantive interests: risk perception/ communication/ management; environmental quality; impacts of environmental stressors (e.g., noise); hazard appraisal and disaster preparedness; residential choice and satisfaction; decision processes and decision-aiding technologies; teaching quality. Methodological interests: response scales, survey methodology, evaluation research, and structural models. Conducted numerous empirical investigations; strong emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches and applicability of findings. Also work as consultant with governmental agencies, courts and companies. Publication of about 130 articles/ reports/ chapters/ books. For more information re research and teaching cf:
http://www.psych.unimelb.edu.au/staff/rohrmann.html