PhDSyncopation is a fundamental feature of rhythm in music. However, the
relationship between theory and perception is currently not well understood.
This thesis is concerned with characterising this relationship and
identifying areas where the theory is incomplete. We start with a review of
relevant musicological background and theory. Next, we use psychophysical
data to characterise the perception of syncopation for simple rhythms.
We then analyse the predictions of current theory using this data and identify
strengths and weaknesses in the theory. We then introduce further
psychophysical data which characterises the perception of syncopation for
simple rhythms at different tempi. This leads to revised theory and a new
model of syncopation that is tempo-dependent.Joint Programme College Scholarshi
