Methodological variables affecting phonational frequency range in adults.

This study examined the effects of selected elicitation variables on phonational frequency (Fo) range in normal adults. Twenty men and 20 women responded to five audiotaped tone conditions: (a) discrete steps, (b) slow steps, (c) fast steps, (d) slow glissando, and (e) fast glissando. These stimuli were devised to elicit each person's maximal and minimal Fo. All elicitation conditions evoked a significantly higher maximal Fo and a significantly larger Fo range (in both hertz and semitones) than did the discrete-steps condition. Fast steps produced a significantly higher minimal Fo than did fast glissando. Both slow glissando and fast glissando yielded a significantly larger Fo range in semitones than did fast steps. Finally, the women demonstrated a significantly larger Fo range (in hertz but not semitones) than did the men.