2020 NATIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD NOISE SURVEY
Q&A
While you can always contact us HERE with any additional questions you may have, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions:
What is the ultimate point of this research?
We feel very strongly about community noise. However, at least in the United States, beyond noise ordinances and occasional op-ed pieces, very little is known about the urban soundscape or the residents’ response to such noise. We would like to start a conversation.
What inspired you to study noise?
The founder, Erica Walker, has been interested in sound ever since she experienced excessive noise levels while living below neighbors in an apartment complex. After experiencing restless nights and countless fights, she decided to research more about how urban residents are dealing with noise in their communities and found that she was far from alone.
What is the difference between sound and noise?
Sound is an aural concept. Physically speaking, sound is an audible wave that travels through the environment. Noise, however, is the unwanted aspect of sound. The unwanted aspects are very interesting to us as we feel as if they contribute to negative health. We are careful to not to assume noise.
So, which is more important—noise or sound?
We think that both are very important. There are characteristics of sound—such as its level—that are important to describe when discussing the urban environment. However, we also recognize that people respond differently to these sounds. That difference is not only interesting but may also serve to help us untangle how noise exposure impacts human health.
There is a lot of information here, how do you suggest I navigate through it?
The results found here are from approximately two years of intensive research. However, it may be help to think of our findings as large buckets: sound mapping, Greater Boston Neighborhood Noise Survey results, neighborhood noise report cards, and soundscapes. From these buckets, you can focus in on what appeals to you. Further, you don’t have to take it all in at once.
How reliable are these results?
You can get the complete picture by reading our methodology. Briefly, the sound level data is compiled from a yearlong sound measurement campaign. Sound was measured at over 400 sites during both the weekday and weekend, during all times of the day, and throughout all four seasons. We followed strict protocols to make sure we obtained valid measurements.
Our survey was open to all residents of the Greater Boston Area via our main website (www.noiseandthecity.org). Further, we administered surveys at community meetings throughout the city. However, we are very aware that these findings may not be representative of everyone in the city. In order to make these results more representative, we need to hear from you! Please take a moment (less than 5 minutes, actually) to fill out the now National Neighborhood Noise Survey! HERE is the survey.
I don’t agree with the report card criteria; you want to know why?
Of course! Email us HERE to state your reasons. Our report card criteria were gleaned from statistical modeling so careful consideration was given. However, we do realize that there can be more to the story and are open to hearing what you have to say.
How would you like for this report to be used?
We would like our report to be a conversation starter. We would like for you to interact with our site, read our results, download our maps, look for patterns, and use our perspective to think about how we (as city residents, city officials, and community leaders) can better tackle noise issues.
I noticed that my city does not have a report card. Why is this?
We are currently working on report cards for participating cities with large survey responses, which includes Cambridge, MA and Somerville, MA. However, we are a tiny staff of three and there is a LOT of work that goes into making a report card. At our next update, we will roll out more cities.
I noticed that my neighborhood has been consolidated into another neighborhood. Why is this?
Sample size is the main reason that your neighborhood may be lumped in with another neighborhood. In some neighborhoods, we had very few responses, so instead of not including them in the report card, we decided to add them to neighboring communities. We used the police district information to define these neighboring communities.
I did not know about this project initially but now I want to participate, is it too late?
Absolutely not! We are continuing to update our sound models and are currently accepting survey responses for our next update. It is our desire to make this a dynamic report, updated every few years to keep our city (and hopefully other cities) up-to-date about noise issues.
How can I site your findings?
APA citation goes as follows:
Walker, E. D. (2015, October 21). The Greater Boston Neighborhood Noise Report Card. Retrieved from: (add url here, without parenthesis)
Are you open to presenting your findings at our next meeting or serving as a consultant on our upcoming sound project?
Absolutely. Email us HERE to discuss.
Do you have a mailing list? Facebook? Twitter? Yes!
The survey is online and I don’t feel comfortable filling it out, what can I do?
While our survey is housed on a secured server and all responses are encrypted, we do understand that some people just don’t feel comfortable filling out a survey online. We do have hard copies and can send one to you—along with a stamped return envelope. Email us HERE for details.
