Section 3-4: Auditory Clutter
Here is a big area that most people need to work on. Auditory clutter or background noise could well be disrupting your study efficiency.
Most people don't realize that background noise, particularly sounds that have language in them, decreases your ability to focus on text and concentrate on learning. Your brain only has so much room to process language, just like a computer has only so much memory. Once you exceed the processing capabilities of your computer, it slows down and gets very sluggish. Your brain does the same thing.
The reason why language is such a problem is that your brain is hardwired to respond to language. It takes priority over other types of sounds. Understanding and paying attention to words is what helps us survive, so our brain preferentially listens for language.
Most people realize this on some level, and will arrange to study away from casual conversations that don't involve them. They will tell others that they need quiet to study effectively. This is all well and good, but then they turn on the TV or the radio! It creates the same sort of distraction, because there is talking going on.
One solution for this is to listen to music with no vocals. Classical music usually fits the bill, but anything that is soothing and just musical will work. Another idea is to try white noise. Run a fan, sit near an aquarium, or play a CD like those that are designed to help you sleep.
Where's the Distraction?
See if you can spot the auditory distractions in this case study.
Sarah sat down to study her history. There was an exam coming up in three days and she wanted to have lots of time to go over the material. She sat in the kitchen of her house. Mom came in and began to sing a song quietly to herself.
Sarah read through the first chapter, then her sister walked through the kitchen. "Sarah," she said. "When are you going to get the laundry folded like you promised Mom?"
Sarah looked up from her book and responded, "I'm planning to get it done tonight. "
"OK," said her sister. She walked out of the kitchen and turned on her favorite TV program in the next room. Sarah's mom worked on doing the dishes. She slipped as she was washing a glass and it shattered on the floor. What a crash!
Sarah realized that she was not getting any work done. She took her book up to her room where she could study without disruptions.
There were four auditory distractions for Sarah. Can you list them all?
What Do You Think?
What is the quietest place you know in your house? Where can you go to study where no one will talk around you? Would a "do not disturb" sign help?
What is the quietest place where you could study away from home? Which is likely to be better: the library or the coffee shop? Why?
Where is the quietest place to study at school? When are you able to go there?
Activity
(c) 2010 Sandy Fleming