Nate Rott, an NPR correspondent, and Dan Blumstein, a UCLA professor specializing in animal behavior, dive into the intriguing science of fear sounds. They discuss how alarm calls of yellow-bellied marmots reveal the connection between sound and survival. The conversation uncovers the psychological effects of screams on both animals and humans. From marmot shrieks to baby cries, they explore how these sounds signal distress and danger, and even touch on the evolutionary roots of fear in human behavior, blending science with fun Halloween themes.
Research on animal vocalizations reveals that different distress sounds, like screams, have unique acoustic properties that trigger fear responses in both animals and humans.
Horror films use nonlinear sounds to evoke strong emotional reactions, conditioning audiences to associate specific auditory cues with fear and danger.
Deep dives
The Science of Fear Sounds
Research into the sound of fear reveals significant insights into animal behavior and communication. A key figure in this area is Dan Blumstein, a behavioral ecologist who explores the different types of vocalizations made by yellow-bellied marmots under stress. Regular alarm calls made by these marmots serve as warning signals to the group, but extreme distress elicits a markedly different sound, akin to a scream. This scream triggers visceral responses in both animals and humans, suggesting a deep biological connection to how fear is expressed and perceived.
Nonlinear Sounds and Emotional Responses
Screams contain unique acoustic properties known as nonlinearities, which distinguish them from other sounds and contribute to their emotional impact. These irregularities indicate heightened stress or danger, making them more attention-grabbing than normal alarm calls. Research shows that not only mammals but also non-vocal animals, such as lizards, respond to these nonlinear sounds as they instinctively recognize the urgency of the distress signal. Consequently, sounds with these characteristics can alter behavior, leading animals to exhibit reduced foraging activity when exposed to more chaotic acoustic signals.
Cinematic Usage of Fear Sounds
Horror films effectively exploit the science of fear sounds to heighten emotional reactions in viewers. Nonlinear sounds are disproportionately used in this genre, creating a sense of unease that primes audiences for jump scares or shocking moments. Studies have demonstrated that background noises, particularly those with rough or low-fidelity qualities, can signal impending danger even in benign situations, thus conditioning viewers to associate fear with specific auditory cues. This understanding of sound dynamics not only clarifies why certain films elicit strong emotional responses but also affirms the connection between fear responses in humans and those found in other animals.
NOTE: This episode contains multiple high-pitched noises (human and other animals) that some listeners might find startling or distressing.
In this episode, host Regina G. Barber and NPR correspondent Nate Rott dive into the science behind the sound of fear. Along the way, they find out what marmot shrieks, baby cries and horror movie soundtracks have in common — and what all of this tells us about ourselves.