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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 5, 2026

A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions

A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions

Published on: July 16, 2015

Auditory distraction: A duplex-mechanism account.

Robert W Hughes¹

¹Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey, UK.

|August 15, 2015

Summary

Auditory distractions have two types: interference-by-process and attentional capture. While attentional capture can be managed with focus, interference-by-process is not easily controlled, impacting task performance.

Keywords:

attentional capture auditory distraction cognitive control interference-by-process serial recall

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Last Updated: Apr 5, 2026

A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions

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Published on: July 5, 2015

Area of Science:

Cognitive Psychology
Auditory Perception
Human Attention

Background:

Auditory distractions significantly impact cognitive task performance.
Existing research suggests multiple mechanisms underlying auditory distraction.

Purpose of the Study:

To review laboratory work on auditory distraction.
To differentiate between two proposed forms of auditory distraction: interference-by-process and attentional capture.
To examine the controllability of each distraction type.

Main Methods:

Review of experimental and individual/group-differences research.
Analysis of evidence regarding the functional distinctiveness of distraction types.
Evaluation of factors influencing the control of auditory distraction.

Main Results:

Auditory distraction presents as two distinct forms: interference-by-process and attentional capture.
Interference-by-process occurs when sound processing competes with focal task processes.
Attentional capture happens when sound diverts attention from the task, irrespective of task processes.

Conclusions:

Auditory attentional capture is controllable through enhanced top-down task engagement.
Interference-by-process is not readily controllable via top-down engagement.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial for managing cognitive performance in distracting auditory environments.