The effect of broadband noise on learning and dynamic decision-making and how cognitive workload and sex moderate its effect

Appl Ergon. 2021 Oct 15;98:103604. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103604. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThe aim of this research was to examine how broadband noise which is present in many workplaces affects dynamic decision-making. The effect of potential moderating factors, cognitive workload and sex, were also examined. Forty-eight participants (24 females) with an average age of 27.38 years (SD = 12.34) were asked to complete a dynamic decision-making task over three consecutive-days. Independent variables were Noise (Broadband - 0dBA vs. 75dBA above background) and Cognitive Workload (Low vs. High, manipulated via presence of a secondary task). Among females, broadband noise significantly impaired performance in low workload, but significantly improved performance in high workload. In contrast, among males broadband noise had no significant effect on overall performance. From an applied perspective, understanding the interaction between noise, cognitive workload and sex allows for the design of a training environment to ensure maximum performance by all staff.PMID:34662750 | DOI:10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103604

Source: Applied Ergonomics - October 18, 2021 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Hang Zhou Brett R C Molesworth Marion Burgess Julie Hatfield Source Type: research