Effects of noise on human efficiency and some individual differences

This paper begins with a brief review of research on the way in which loud noise affects the efficiency of human work, leading to an examination of some differences between individuals in the extent to which efficiency is affected. Noise is regarded as producing a narrowing of attention towards work components of high priority, an effect which is seen as providing a basis for understanding previous contradictory interpretations in this area. Extroverted people seem more susceptible to this narrowing of attention, while the performance of introverts is more stable. Some related research on individual differences in performance, and preference for noisy environments is also discussed.