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Abstract:
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The vigilance decrement is when accuracy on a vigilance task declines as a function of time on the task. What this means is that people are more likely to miss critical signals the longer they are focusing on their task. This is problematic given the number of jobs requiring vigilance to monitor important processes (e.g., air traffic controller, diary processor monitoring). Binaural beat technology may be able to improve the vigilance decrement, with beta binaural beats being associated with increased levels of attention and alertness. Binaural beats occur when two separate frequencies are presented to each ear, resulting in a third perceived beat. This binaural beat is the difference between the two original frequencies. Vigilance data were collected from 65 participants (68% female), randomly assigned to either a pink noise control condition or a beta binaural beat experimental condition. Although overall results did not differ, beta binaural beats reduced the initial severity of the vigilance decrement. |
