Two-channel listening.

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Abstract
Selecting information from two loudspeakers both presenting verbal messages independently, was evaluated in terms of omissions (of which subjects were generally unaware) and mishearings, which were distributed independently. When relevant information was surrounded by irrelevant on the same channel, the other channel being silent, omissions exceeded mishearings. When the relevant information occurred on an otherwise silent channel, but was covered by simultaneous irrelevant information on the other channel, mishearings predominated. When both sources presented information continuously, instructions to listen to both (distributed attention) gave more omissions than instructions to listen to one of them (restricted attention). This in turn gave more than instructions as to when and to what to listen (directed attention). Mishearings were independent of these instructions. Placing the two speakers one on top of the other in front of the subjects gave more omissions and more mishearings than placing one on each side of them. Similarity of relevant messages to irrelevant increased omissions; it also increased false selections, especially with the speakers on top of each other. When only one or neither source presented information continuously, omissions and mishearings were reduced, and none of these differences was significant. The results were discussed in terms of inattention and physical interference.

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