A Space For Frisson

This online activity helps prepare for a brief in-person VR music study at the Science Centre, University of Staffordshire.

The in-person session lasts about 30 minutes. Participants must be aged 18 or over. University of Staffordshire Psychology students receive 2 SONA credits.

Suggestion: Your initials and the day and month you were born (e.g. ST0808).

Please read the study information, complete the consent and eligibility questions, and provide some brief information that will help prepare for the in-person session. This includes selecting a song that reliably gives you frisson or chills, providing a YouTube link to it, completing a short personality measure, and identifying the moments in your chosen song where frisson is most likely to occur.

This online part takes roughly 10 minutes to complete, (dependant on the length of your song selection).

What on earth is Frisson?

  • Please ensure you have identified a specific song that reliably gives you frisson or chills.
  • Please ensure you are in an environment where you can listen to this music undistracted and uninterrupted (ideally with headphones).
Consent Yes No
I confirm that I am aged 18 or over.
I have read and understood the study information and understand that participation is voluntary.
I understand that I can withdraw during the study without penalty, and that I can request withdrawal of my data up to 14 days after my session or until 29 June 2026, whichever comes first.
I understand that the study involves a seated VR music experience using non-invasive ECG and skin conductance sensors, that behavioural data from the VR headset will be recorded, and that my data will be pseudonymised and stored securely.
I agree to take part in this online activity and the in-person study.

Eligibility screening

Question Yes No
I confirm I do NOT have photosensitive epilepsy or a seizure risk that could be triggered by VR or flashing visuals.
I confirm I do NOT have severe motion sickness or a vestibular condition likely to be triggered by VR.
I confirm I do NOT have a known allergy or strong sensitivity to sensor adhesive.
I confirm I do NOT currently have severe panic or anxiety symptoms that could make immersive VR distressing.

Frisson Hotspot Finder

Welcome. This tool helps you identify the exact moments you experience frisson while listening to a song.

What to expect

Body Awareness

As you listen, pay attention to any bodily feelings that often go with frisson or strong emotional peaks in music. These can include:

You do not need to force anything. Just notice if any of these happen naturally.

Song Requirements

💡 Note for Mobile & In-App Users:
Official music videos (especially from artists' official VEVO channels) have strict copyright policies that prevent them from playing embedded inside other apps or browsers. If your song fails to load on the next screen, simply search YouTube for a lyric video, audio-only upload, or fan lyric video of the same song! These unofficial uploads almost always allow embedding and will play perfectly inside this study.
or press spacebar

Results Summary

Video Thumbnail

Loading video details...

YouTube Video

Strongest Point

--:--

Backup Point

--:--

Bodily Sensations

Did you notice any of the following? (Tick all that apply)

You'll now move on to complete the brief personality assessment.

Brief Personality Assessment

Please indicate how much you agree or disagree with the following statements about yourself. Think about how you generally act, feel, or behave.

Book Your Lab Session

To complete the physical segment of the study, please book a slot at the University Science Centre. Select an available date and time slot below:

🎓 Psychology Students (SONA Credits)

If you are a Psychology student participating for SONA credits, please book your session using the SONA system instead. Only use this link if you are enrolled in a psychology course and require SONA credits.

Book via SONA System ↗
Lab Booking Requirement:
If you are unavailable on any shown day or require a specific accommodation, please specify in the notes or finalize without choosing a slot.

Step 1: Select Date

Step 2: Choose Available Time Slot

Loading available schedule...
None of these times work for me

Alternative Evening / Weekday Time Windows

Want to express general interest in coming on particular evenings or times? Please check all time segments you are generally available to come to the lab:

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
🎉

Study Part 1 Complete!

Thank you for participating! Your behavioral frisson track, bodily responses, and personality questionnaire have been successfully submitted to the research database.

Researcher Database Portal

University of Staffordshire Psychology Department

Enter Access Password

Unable to Participate

Thank you for your interest. Unfortunately, based on your answers, you are not able to participate in this study. You can now close this tab.

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