Study: Infrasound Likely Behind Reported Hauntings

A chance discussion with neuroscientist Kale Scatterty led to a new study on how humans respond to infrasound. In 2023, Scatterty’s research showed that zebrafish displayed anxiety and avoided certain areas when exposed to infrasound. This suggested a physical reaction to infrasound, prompting researcher Schmaltz to investigate if humans might react similarly. They designed an experiment to test if infrasound would increase cortisol levels in human saliva, a common stress indicator.

Thirty-six participants were placed alone in a room and exposed to either calming music or unsettling ambient sounds. Some were also exposed to infrasound from hidden subwoofers. Schmaltz expected that infrasound would enhance the relaxing effect of calming music and increase the fear from scarier music.

Instead, all participants felt more irritated and unsettled when the infrasound was on, regardless of the music type, and their cortisol levels rose significantly. Notably, none could accurately detect the presence of infrasound, suggesting humans can experience a physiological response to infrasound unconsciously.

Although these findings are promising, Schmaltz notes that infrasound alone doesn’t explain perceptions of hauntings. Other factors, such as suggestibility, also play a role. Schmaltz clarifies, “Infrasound isn’t causing hauntings. It might contribute, especially in old buildings with rumbling pipes. If someone already expects something spooky, infrasound might enhance that expectation. It’s part of the puzzle rather than a complete explanation.”

How much do you know?

What did Kale Scatterty's research focus on?

Human reactions to sound

Neuroscience and anxiety

Infrasound and fish behavior

Calming music effects

What was the main purpose of Schmaltz's experiment?

To test if infrasound affects cortisol levels

To investigate musical preferences

To study African wildlife

To explore sound healing methods

How many participants were involved in Schmaltz's study?

24

36

48

60

What was a notable outcome when participants were exposed to infrasound?

Increased relaxation

Decreased cortisol levels

Increased irritation and unsettled feelings

Increased enjoyment of music

What does Schmaltz suggest about infrasound and hauntings?

Infrasound is the sole cause of hauntings

Infrasound can enhance beliefs about hauntings

Infrasound has no effect on hauntings

Infrasound is irrelevant to human perception

Which type of sounds were participants exposed to in the study?

Calming and unsettling sounds

Only calming sounds

Only unsettling sounds

Classical music only

Kale Scatterty's research showed that zebrafish exhibited anxiety with infrasound.

True False

Participants were able to accurately detect the presence of infrasound.

True False

Infrasound can be attributed as the complete cause of perceptions of hauntings according to Schmaltz.

True False

Participants felt more relaxed when infrasound was introduced during the experiment.

True False

Schmaltz hypothesized that infrasound would enhance fear from scarier music.

True False

The study included participants being placed in groups during the sound exposure.

True False

Kale Scatterty's research indicated that zebrafish showed anxiety when exposed to .

Schmaltz's study aimed to see if infrasound would increase cortisol levels in human .

The experiment involved participants listening to either calming music or ambient sounds.

Participants felt more irritated when the infrasound was present, regardless of the type.

Schmaltz believes infrasound might contribute to perceptions of in old buildings.

The presence of infrasound could enhance the expectation of something according to Schmaltz.

This question is required