Sound Distraction Effect on Memory Processing Knowledge Familiarity

Higher-level cognitive processes like memory and information processing are affected widely from auditory distraction which creates difficulty for individuals in various situations (Surprenant 2007; Bell & Buchner 2007). This study obtained a convenience sample of 52 participants from Swindon (Male = 27 Female = 25 ages 19-67) (M (mean) = 29.69 SD (standard deviation) = 12.68). This study utilised a 2x2 factorial design the first independent variable (IV) being sound category distraction its 2 levels were vocal and instrumental sound the second IV being knowledge familiarity; its 2 levels were normal words and anagrams. The dependent variable (DV) was participant’s recalled scores from the knowledge familiarity short term memory (STM) tests. Results found a non-significant difference in sound category distraction or the interaction between the sound category distraction and knowledge familiarity factors but found a significant difference in knowledge familiarity effecting STM processing which could have meaningful implications for society.