"Pessimistic noise effects": The perception of reaction times in noise.

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Abstract
Using a between-group design, the effect of loud noise on a 2-choice discrete reaction task was examined together with judgments subjects made about self-produced RT [reaction time] under these conditions. Reaction times were unexpectedly faster in noise, but subjects used more slow categories in describing them. The effect was not apparent when the same reaction times were re-rated a 2nd time under instructions which indicated that they were random time intervals. The effect was not apparent when a new group of subjects rated the original reaction time data, again in noise. When asked to predict average reaction time produced by a hypothetical subject in noise, uninformed subjects predict slow reaction times. All results are considered in the light of the hypothesis that pessimistic expectancies about likely effects of noise may be a factor influencing performance.

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