Audiovisual perception of arousal, valence, and effort in contemporary cello performance

Perceived arousal, valence, and effort were measured continuously from auditory, visual, and audiovisual cues using a recorded performance of a contemporary cello piece. Effort (perceived exertion of the performer) was added for two motivations: to investigate its potential as a measure and its association with arousal in audiovisual perception. Fifty-two subjects participated in the experiment. Results were analyzed using Activity Analysis and functional data analysis. Arousal and effort were perceived with significant coordination between participants from auditory, visual, as well as audiovisual cues. Significant differences were detected between auditory and visual channels but not between arousal and effort. Valence, in contrast, showed no significant coordination between participants. Relative importance of the visual channel is discussed.