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Updated: Nov 13, 2025
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Utilizing Electroencephalography Measurements for Comparison of Task-Specific Neural Efficiencies: Spatial Intelligence Tasks
Published on: August 9, 2016
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Effect of tonal noise and task difficulty on electroencephalography and cognitive performance
Marzieh Sadeghian1, Saeid Yazdanirad2, Seyed Mahdi Mousavi3
1Faculty of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
Summary
Tonal noise and task difficulty negatively impact cognitive performance, reducing accuracy and increasing errors. Electroencephalography (EEG) data showed altered brainwave activity, highlighting the need for noise control.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Auditory stimuli, such as tonal noise, can affect cognitive functions.
- Task difficulty is a known factor influencing cognitive performance and brain activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of varying tonal noise levels and task difficulties on cognitive performance.
- To analyze the corresponding changes in electroencephalography (EEG) signals.
Main Methods:
- Twelve healthy volunteers performed tasks of low, moderate, and high difficulty under four different tonal noise conditions.
- Cognitive performance metrics (reaction time, correct rate, missed numbers) and EEG data were recorded.
Main Results:
- Increased tone level and task difficulty significantly reduced the correct rate and increased missed numbers.
- EEG analysis revealed increased theta (θ) and beta (β) band activity and decreased alpha (α) band activity.
- Reaction time was not significantly affected by tone level or task difficulty.
Conclusions:
- Both task difficulty and tonal noise levels significantly influence cognitive performance parameters.
- Noise and task difficulty alter EEG band activity, suggesting a neurological basis for performance changes.
- Implementing noise control measures may be crucial for maintaining optimal cognitive performance.
