Evaluating the Effects of Auditory Stimuli on Task Performance
A Human Factors Experiment Design exploring Cognitive Performance in varied sound environments
Research Motivation
To identify optimal auditory conditions that could enhance learning outcomes, productivity, and well-being in various settings.
Methodology
A mixed-methods, within-subjects design was used.
Each participant was exposed to the following three auditory conditions:
Ambient Sound
Background noise replicating the metropolitan New York City
Research Findings
No Sound
Apple Noise-Cancellation
Data Analysis & Testing Equipment
PEBL (Psychology Experiment Building Language)
Participants were instructed to navigate through the Oddball task on PEBL
Classical Music
Mozart’s Symphony No. 40
IBM SPSS
Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was used to compare task accuracy and response times across the different audio settings
p-value > 0.05 alpha level
No evidence to suggest the effect of auditory condition on accuracy of task and reaction time
Discussion
This research can inform the design of more optimal work environments or digital platforms that require high levels of concentration and cognitive function.
Implications
The insights could help design better auditory cues or background settings in software and applications, enhancing user engagement and productivity.