Effects of noise level and difficulty of task in performing division.

Abstract

Ss worked division problems for 20 min. in the presence of 98 db.-108 db. of noise while Ss of comparable mean ability in arithmetic worked the problems under conditions of room noise. Under each condition 1 group of Ss worked "easy" problems and another group worked "difficult" problems. Intense noise produced no effect on mean number of problems correctly solved. Variability of performance was significantly greater with easy problems under intense noise conditions than under room-noise conditions, although there was no difference with difficult problems. There was no evidence of a decrement in performance within the 20-min. session attributable to noise level.

Neurobehavioral effects of transportation noise in primary schoolchildren: a cross-sectional study

“…However, when the 15 most difficult items of the reading test were analyzed separately, a significant difference was found between the two noise exposure conditions [45]. From this study and previous scientific literature [46] it can be concluded that performance on simple tasks is less susceptible to the effects of noise than performance on more complex tasks, requesting increased mental performance. Since the NES was not administered in other studies investigating the effects of transportation noise exposure on children, a direct comparison was not possible.…”

The Effects of Noise on Performance

“…In another study of noise aftereffects, Donnerstein and Wilson (1966) found that subjects without perceived control over their noise exposures gave more shock to their fellow subjects than those with perceived control.…”

“…In a somewhat different approach to the investigation of vestibular effects, Nixon Pt al. (1966) discovered a task that was sensitive to sound stimulation.…”

Effects of Lecturer Pace on Noise Level in a University Classroom1

“…For example, Baker and Madell (1), Samuels (5), and Silverman, Davids, and Andrews (7) have reported detrimental effects of noise upon student performance. Other researchers (4,8) conducted similar studies with less conclusive findings. This research would suggest that student performance is affected by the noise environment.…”