The influence of computer screen polarity and color on the accuracy of workers' reading of graphics.

BACKGROUND: Many professional workers such as engineers and designers must read and comprehend graphics in the workplace. Many studies have analyzed the effects of background color when reading text, but few have studied its effects when reading graphics. OBJECTIVE: This study examines how different screen polarities and background colors can influence the reading and comprehension of graphics. PARTICIPANTS: 504 participants were selected by convenience sampling and divided into 14 groups. The experiment was performed in three parts. Parts 1 had 2 groups; Parts 2 had 6 groups; Parts 3 had 6 groups. Each group had 36 participants. METHODS: In each of the three parts of this study, a combination of black and white graphics was used as a background. Three experiments were performed. Color was the independent variable; accuracy in reading/comprehending graphics was the dependent variable. RESULTS: Experiment One showed that test participants performed better in positive (black on white) graphics test than in negative (white on black) graphics test on the computer screen. Experiment Two showed that screen background colors also significantly affect the accuracy of graphics reading/comprehension on the computer screen. Experiment Three showed that performance improved when the color of the computer screen polarity was adjusted. CONCLUSIONS: Screen polarity can affect the accuracy of graphics reading/comprehension; screen background color affects the accuracy of graphics reading/comprehension; adequate background color as a contrast increases experiments the accuracy of graphics reading/comprehension.

Background music: effects on attention performance.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies indicate that noise may affect worker attention. However, some background music in the work environment can increase worker satisfaction and productivity. This study compared how music with, and without, lyrics affects human attention. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and two participants, aged 20-24 years, were recruited into this study. Fifty-six males and 46 females participated in this study. METHODS: Background music with, and without lyrics, was tested for effects on listener concentration in attention testing using a randomized controlled trial (RCT) study. RESULTS: The comparison results revealed that background music with lyrics had significant negative effects on concentration and attention. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that, if background music is played in the work environment, music without lyrics is preferable because songs with lyrics are likely to reduce worker attention and performance.

Effects of background music on concentration of workers.

OBJECTIVE: Background music is a common element in daily living and the workplace. Determination of whether background music affects human work concentration is a relevant concern. Studies have found background music influences human behavior, and this study attempts to understand how background music and listener fondness for types of music affects worker concentration. METHODS: This study analyzes how different types of background music--and how listeners' degree of preference for the background music--can affect listener concentration in attention testing through Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT). PARTICIPANTS: Data were collected from 89 workers. The participants ranged in age between 19 and 28 years old, with an average age of 24 years old. RESULTS: We conclude background music influenced listener attention. This influence has more to do with listener fondness for the music than with type of music. Compared to situations without background music, the likelihood of background music affecting test-taker attention performance is likely to increase with the degree to which the test-taker likes or dislikes the music. CONCLUSIONS: It is important not to select music that workers strongly like or dislike when making a selection of background music to avoid negatively affecting worker concentration.

Correlation between work concentration level and background music: a pilot study.

It is a common phenomenon for office workers {to listen to music} while executing daily routines at their desks. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between work concentration level and background music. This research would first follow examples in previous researches, and then explore the influence of background music on participants' scores on attention tests. We hope to gain a preliminary understanding of the possible influence of background music on people's focus and concentration when doing work. Thirty-two college students were separated into three controlled groups; all were given the attention test. Group [a] listened to background music while being tested for 10 minutes; group [b] had no background music at all; and group [c] listened to the music for 10 minutes prior to the attention test. The test was conducted in a "noise free" environment. The means and error rates for each group were then calculated. The findings showed that, in comparison with "no music at all", those who listened to music prior to testing obtained higher scores in attentiveness (most probably a supplemental effect of the music), whereas those who listened to music during attention test showed extremely high level of variation in attention test scoring. Background music does affect people's job-site behavior. In fact, all three test conditions - no background music at all, background music before the work shift, and background music during work - have affected worker performance on different levels.