Effects of reading with background noise
by Nino · 8 things on Twos
- Background noise – like the chatter in a coffee shop or the drone of passing traffic – might slow our reading speed, but according to a study of Russian readers, it doesn't affect how our brain comprehends written text.
- Having a certain amount of ambient noise while reading can actually improve our ability to understand and process information from the text.
- Contrary to the belief that silence is necessary for optimal reading, the study reveals that having a certain level of background noise can enhance focus and cognitive abilities, leading to improved performance during reading tasks.
- Processing language in a semantically-based way is faster than syntax-based processing.
- Longer total reading time was associated with an accuracy increase for implausible sentences, found the study that affirms earlier research suggesting noise does not affect comprehension.
- The study sheds light on the intricate interplay between attention, distraction, and cognitive processing.
- It suggests that the right amount of background noise can create a level of distraction that engages the brain and improves its ability to process information, revealing the complexities of how our minds function during reading tasks.
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