5. Theories on the mechanisms of noise action

Distraction by noise" theory (history)

Historically, one of the first proposals for interpreting the effects of noise was to consider it as an element likely to divert attention and limit the subject's ability to invest himself in his task. This hypothesis is compatible with the signs of habituation observed in many situations, and with the fact that variations in noise levels reduce performance in all directions. The greater susceptibility to noise observed during tests requiring greater concentration is also consistent with this hypothesis.

Internal blink" or Broadbent filter theory

Broadbent (1957) proposed a very similar theory, comparing the effects of noise on information acquisition to the effects of blinking on vision. This analogy postulated the...