Can the level of pleasure derived from music be measured?


This is a real question that I think may have a answer.

With the right probes in a brain can't changes in the pleasure

zone be measured? 

I ask because it seems to me that without this measurement

a true audiophile hierarchy can not be claimed.

Thoughts??

 

 

128x128jeffseight

Actually this has been answered in a different domain with single question surveys such as for job satisfaction.

Psychology research has shown and well established that a single question, how satisfied are you with your job, gives a reliable and valid answer without needing further elaboration. Typically it is measured using a five or seven point Likert scales, with 7 point scales marginally better. 

So, translating this finding to pleasure levels with music, the question might be asked,

Rate (this) music (experience) by answering the following question:

How pleasurable (or pleasing) is (this) music (experience) for you?

1. Very Highly pleasurable

2. Highly pleasurable

3. Moderately pleasurable  

4. Neither pleasurable nor displeasurable

5. Moderately displeasurable 

6. Highly displeasurable

7. Very highly displeasurable

Framing of the question would need to be tested, and adjusted for word choice, settings and so on, as well as choosing asking about liking vs wanting vs pleasure vs preference and so on...

Measuring the brain is unnecessary invasion, and doesn't use probes, but neuro-imaging, for example here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0896627315001336

And there are other full scales such as Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale, available that are not really justified here.

So, in sum, just ask...How pleasurable (or pleasing) is (this) music (experience) for you?

;-)

@johnread57 ...or flesh out your 1>7 list of experi with:

#1 - Total organic transposition into quantum foam

( Previously noted 1>7 to 2>8....)

#9 - Catatonia...

#10 - Total cellular disruption into reeking mess ("...and who's gonna clean this mess up?! HUH?!"  *dammit*..)

@hifihandyman ..."Tread carefully into the greasy mud, for therein lies the Skid Demon...."  *old bumper sticker seen on old sport cars*....

"Momm....weasels ripped my flesh...."

Here's a band-aid....

"That's not much...."

Not much of an issue, Frank....

(Spouse and self have been semi-binge watching FRINGE, alt-reality parallel universe trope trudge, melting people stuff....'tasty'.....🤢🤮😬😁😏 )

A very silly question but I will respond from my usual from my usual standpoint.

Probes could be entered in the brain that measure the concentration of dopamine being secreted.  The more dopamine, the more pleasure.  I'm sure scientists will have done this previously, possibly on animals.