Performance on driving-related tasks during music

Abstract

The eOE ect of music on driving-related tracking and vigilance tasks was examined. Participants carried out the tasks either singularly (low demand) or together (high demand) under conditions of silence, low-intensity music of highintensity music. The results indicated that while the relatively simple tracking task was not aOE ected by the music, response time to centrally located visual signals was improved under both music conditions and under both low-and high-demand situations. High-intensity music was associated with an increase in response time to peripheral signals under high-demand conditions. The results are discussed in relation to increased selectivity of attention with music-induced arousal.

Acute Effects of Caffeine on Strength Performance in Trained and Untrained Individuals

“…This effect has also been previously imitated through placebo consumption [45]. Increased expectancy in a performance enhancing supplement can provide an athlete with greater arousal levels [46] which can in turn increase performance, especially in open, simple tasks [47]. However, this phenomenon does not explain the variation in results observed in the present study between trained and untrained individuals, suggesting the cause for disparity may be more complex.…”

Multisensory interface design for drivers: past, present and future

“…Haigney and Westerman 2001;Nunes and Recarte 2002), or else listening to the car radio, the evidence now shows that both of these activities appear to result in a significant impairment of several aspects of driving performance (e.g. Beh and Hirst 1999, Briem and Hedman 1995, Brodsky 2002, Brown 1965, McEvoy et al 2007b; see Ho and Spence submitted, for a review).…”

A Critical Review of Techniques Aiming at Enhancing and Sustaining Worker's Alertness during the Night Shift

“…For example, in their reference study Davies and associates (1973) showed that performance in a visual alertness task are better in terms of right detection and latency in the condition music (75 dBA) versus no music 30) . More recently, Beh and his team 31) came to the same conclusions by showing beneficial effects of moderate intensity music (55-57 dBA) on vigilance performance. According to Fontaine and associates (1979), the generating of music, even of low intensity, seems to prevent performance decrements over time 32) and may be helpful to the maintenance of alertness in situations that require sustained attention, without impairing performance to the task 33) .…”

“…We should nevertheless emphasize the fact that, as with noise, the stimulant value of music is relative to its own characteristics: the more varied the music, the more stimulant it is 37) . However, these results vary from one individual to another and are different according to the task 31) . Be that as it may, the use of music has a double advantage as compared to noise: -first on performance, which are better with music than with noise, even at the same intensity; -then on morale as the attitude of most workers toward background music is favorable 38,39) .…”