Affiliations: Department of Occupational Therapy, College of
Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan | Department of Psychology, Municipal Wan Fang Hospital,
Taipei City, Taiwan | Department of Business Administration, College of
Management, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Yi-Nuo Shih, Department of
Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, 510,
Zhongzheng Rd., New Taipei City 242, Taiwan. Tel.: +886 2 29053408; Fax: +886 2
29046743; E-mail: 062161@mail.fju.edu.tw
Abstract: Objective: Previous studies indicate that noise may affect worker
attention. However, some background music in the work environment can increase
worker satisfaction and productivity. This study compared how music with, and
without, lyrics affects human attention. Participants: One hundred and two participants, aged 20–24
years, were recruited into this study. Fifty-six males and 46 females
participated in this study. Methods: Background music with, and without lyrics, was tested for
effects on listener concentration in attention testing using a randomized
controlled trial (RCT) study. Results: The comparison results revealed that background music with
lyrics had significant negative effects on concentration and attention. Conclusions: The findings suggest that, if background music is
played in the work environment, music without lyrics is preferable because
songs with lyrics are likely to reduce worker attention and performance.
Keywords: Work environment, music with lyrics, occupational form, occupational performance
