A Meta-Analysis of Aperiodic Noise Stress on Human Performance

Abstract

Aperiodic noise, also known as intermittent noise, is a pervasive and influential source of stress across military environments, and can be defined by the changes in its intensity over a given period of time (therefore containing `gaps' between louder phases of the noise). With examples ranging from the discharge of weapons to vehicle and machinery movements, then it is intuitive to recognize that this common form of noise may constitute a risk to Soldier performance across a range of tasks (i.e., as measured by speed and accuracy metrics). In order to quantify these effects, a meta-analytic evaluation of aperiodic noise effects on performance was undertaken. The results indicate that a general effect of aperiodic noise is to exert a negative influence on performance; however this effect is contingent upon the type of tasks and performance measures used. These results can be used to inform decisions concerning when noise should be mitigated or even alternatively exploited in military settings.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 2006
Accession Number
ADA482011

Entities

People

  • A. Braczyk
  • B. M. Saxton
  • G. E. Conway
  • J. L. Szalma
  • J. M. Ross
  • P. A. Hancock

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  • University of Central Florida

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  • Human Systems

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