The components of human reaction to noise have been studied extensively in the laboratory, but have been less assessed in the real world. This paper describes a theoretical framework and practical application of some novel techniques for assessing human reaction under field conditions. Data collection techniques never before applied in this context included (1) 24‐hour diary (recall), and (2) paired‐comparison method to determine an individual's relative value of noise/ quiet. These techniques were utilized as part of a survey instrument, or questionnaire, which was administered to a small group of subjects in a preliminary test. The survey was tested in four different residential sites in conjunction with a pilot test of a system for assessing community noise and individual noise exposure and reaction to this exposure. [The study was supported jointly by the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency.]