The influence of musical distraction of varying complexity on the cognitive performance of extroverts and introverts

Author(s): Allass, K.

Journal/Book: Eur J Personality. 1999; 13: Baffins Lane Chichester, W Sussex PO19 1UD, England. John Wiley & Sons Ltd. 27-38.

Abstract: This study examined the effects of complexity in background music on the performance of four cognitive tasks by extroverts and introverts. In the presence of either 'complex' or 'simple' musical distraction or in silence, 24 introverts and 24 extroverts carried out a reading comprehension test, an observation test, and a memory test (in which recall was measured both immediately and after a six-minute delay). An interaction was predicted such that increasing-complexity musical distraction would result in the increase of extroverts', and the decrease of introverts', cognitive-task performance. A significant interaction was obtained for three of the four tests. The observation test and both memory tests. These findings are discussed with regard to Eysenck's theory of personality.

Note: Article Furnham A, Univ Coll London, Dept Psychol, 26 Bedford Way, London WC1 0AP, ENGLAND

Keyword(s): BACKGROUND MUSIC; READING-COMPREHENSION; TASK; BEHAVIOR; WORK

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