Tucker's method for multidimensional analysis of preference structure has been suggested as a market research technique for describing intea and inter individual preference strcucture. The researcher has applied this technique to the field of music preference, to explore its wider significance.
In Experiment I, 23 subjects evaluated 6 different piano interpretations of the Chopin waltz op. 34, 3, presented to them in pairs of performances. The pairs were offered in random order, but all 15 possible combinations were presented. Subjects were asked to give “equal-appearing” judgements. The data were analyzed according to the method. Fig. 2 is a two dimensional diagram of preference structure representing each subject's preference for each object. The axes a1′ and a2′ were interpreted as the performance style (dramatic-lyric) and the technical level, respectively.
In Experiment II, 9 subjects judged Schubert's lied “An die Musik” sung by 6 vocalists. The experimental procedure and the method of analysis are the same as in Experiment I. Fig. 4 represents the results of the preference structure on the vocal performances. The a1′ is interpreted as the axis of performance style (dramaticsoft), and a2′ is the pronunciation of German verse.
From the results of these two experiments, Tucker's method showed its applicability to the field of music preference. It described preferences of individuals and accomplished this description in a systematic manner so as to reveal relationships among the preferences of different individuals.
