The method of Semantic Differential is used to test whether a sound is suitable for an intended purpose. In figure 2 an example is given of adjective scales used in an international study on the suitability of signals as warning signals3 (Kuwano et al. 2000). It is clear that warning signals should have high loadings on adjectives like dangerous, frightening, unpleasant, conspicuous etc.
adjective scales loud soft deep shrill frightening not frightening pleasant unpleasant dangerous safe hard soft calm exciting bright dark weak powerful busy tranquil conspicuous inconspicuous slow fast distinct vague weak strong tense relaxed pleasing unpleasing