Noise and task induced distraction effects on information processing: sex differences in smokers and non-smokers

Choice reaction time performance was monitored in male and female smokers and nonsmokers during the separate and combined presentation of noise- and task-induced distraction. Behavioral measures of decision time and movement time were examined together with response errors. Relative to female nonsmokers, female smokers exhibited significantly slower decision times during both separate and combined presentation of distractors. Female smokers also showed significantly longer decision times than male smokers during task-induced distraction. Significant differences were also observed with response errors, with task and combined noise- and task-induced distraction resulting in greater impairment in female smokers. The results are supportive of a relative central information processing deficit in female smokers and discussion is focused on the role of attentional processes.