Book 14, Question 140
Why Does Background Noise Make It Harder to Focus?
Background noise makes it harder to focus because your brain only has so much attention to share! When there is chatter around, your brain tries to listen to it and to do your work at the same time. That splits your attention.
More fun facts
- Background noise at home, work or school often disrupts people's concentration.
- Brains have to work harder to make sense of information against background noise.
- In one 2005 study, middle schoolers understood only 71 percent of teacher instructions when noise was around 65 to 70 decibels.
- Studies show kids in noisy classrooms find it harder to focus.
- Noise around 70 decibels could affect reading comprehension too.
Sources: Science News Explores, Scientific American
Questions kids ask
How much does classroom noise matter?
In one 2005 study, middle schoolers understood only 71 percent of teacher instructions when noise was around 65 to 70 decibels.