Effects of Visual and Auditory Stimuli on Performance During Sustained Attention Task

Objective: Although many studies are investigating the effects of stimuli on sustained attention performance, only a few studies compare auditory, visual and neutral conditions. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of visual and auditory stimuli on performance during sustained attention task. Materials and Methods: Twenty-six volunteers participated in this study. Participants executed sustained attention task in three different sessions. In the auditory session, participants listened to a highly paced folk music during the Mackworth Clock test. In the ''visual session, happy emoticons were presented around the test screen. In the neutral session, the test was carried out without any extra stimulus. The order of sessions was randomised. The time interval between sessions was at least 48 hours, and each session took 5 minute. The reaction times of all responses and correct responses and correct response rates were evaluated. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and Friedman tests were used depending on the distribution characteristics of data. Results: The reaction times of all responses or correct responses alone did not differ significantly among sessions. The correct response rates were 91.18%, 89.74% and 89.24% for the auditory, neutral and visual sessions, respectively. However, no statistically significant difference was found when these sessions were compared. Conclusion: Music was expected to improve performance in a sustained attention test, which is not complex but difficult because of monotony, like Mackworth Clock test. Visual stimuli are expected to hamper performance, as they share the modality of the test Although data had this trend, no statistically significant difference was found. Further research with increased number of participants and more difficult Mackworth Clock test, by extending its duration and using different types of music and visuals, is warranted.