Performance on driving-related tasks during music

Abstract

The effect of music on driving-related tracking and vigilance tasks was examined. Participants carried out the tasks either singularly (low demand) or together (high demand) under conditions of silence, low-intensity music of high intensity music. The results indicated that while the relatively simple tracking task was not affected by the music, response time to centrally located visual signals was improved under both music conditions and under both low- and high-demand situations. High-intensity music was associated with an increase in response time to peripheral signals under high-demand conditions. The results are discussed in relation to increased selectivity of attention with music-induced arousal.

Keywords:

• Music
• Reaction Time
• Driving
• Vigilance Tasks
• Tracking Tasks