Arousal Theory and Vigilance: Schedules for Background Stimulation

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Abstract
The effect on an observer's monitoring efficiency in a visual vigilance task of having one of four irrelevant background music schedules (continuous music, music under a fixed interval temporal schedule, music under a variable interval temporal schedule, music under a random interval temporal schedule) present during the watch was assessed. Results showed significantly different correct detection rates and response latencies for signals presented under the different background schedules, with the random interval background being superior followed closely by the variable interval background, the other two schedules being similar and much less effective. Some differential results were obtained for males and females, and these were considered important for future research. Results appeared to have both practical and theoretical interest and were interpreted as generally favoring the arousal theory of vigilance. Suggestions were made for future research.

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