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EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH REPORT

COURSE TITLE: EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

COURSE INSTRUCTOR: MS. TOOBA ARSHAD
CLASS: BS (PSYCHOLOGY) 3 – B
PRESENTED BY:
BASHAIR FATIMA – 195
ATIKA MOOSA – 192
HIBA SALEEM – 198
YARMYAH TARIQ - 063
KHADIJA ZEHRA – 073
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CONTENTS

i. Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………….3
ii. Introduction:……………………………………………………………………………….3
Research objectives…………………………………………………………….……………….3
Research hypothesis…………………………………………………………………………….4
Literature review………………………………………………………………………………..4
Rationale and significance of the study…………………………………………………………4
iii. Methodology:……………………………………………………………………………….5
Participants………………………………………………………………………………………5
Experimental design technique…………………………………………………………………..5
Experimental paradigm…………………………………………………………………………..5
Operational definition…………………………………………………………………………….5
Procedure…………………………………………………………………………………………6
iv. Results………………………………………………………………………………………..6
v. Discussion:……………………………………………………………………………………8
Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………..9
Limitations and recommendations………………………………………………………………..9
vi. References…………………………………………………………………………………...10
vii. Appendix…………………………………………………………………………………….11
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Abstract
Background noise and its influences on memory retention in humans is researched in various
ways and forms. It has usually been done using silence and music to compare the effects on a
primary cognitive task. Since music is formulated with the intention to draw attention to it, we
presently aimed to study the potential effect of pink noise on memory retention. Pink noise is a
constant sound in the background that has energy that is inversely proportional to frequency.
Short term memory is the reproduction, recognition, or recall of a limited amount of material
after a period of about 10 to 30 seconds. Retention is the second stage of memory, after encoding
and before retrieval. We hypothesized that pink noise has a significant effect on memory
retention. 32 participants were recruited and randomly assigned to a control group (16
participants: 8 males and 8 females), and an experimental group (16 participants: 8 males and 8
females) with pink noise as independent variable. The age bracket for the participants ranged
from 17 years-24 years. The findings confirmed the hypothesis that pink noise elicited shorter
reaction times as compared to general background noise. Further studies could use a within-
group design to reduce bias due to participants’ differences as explained further.

Introduction
The aim of using pink noise is to test memory retention, as reported by some studies, is to
potentially enhance memory consolidation and improve overall retention of information. Pink
noise is believed to have a beneficial effect on memory processes during sleep, particularly
during the deep sleep stage known as slow-wave sleep.
Studies have shown that playing pink noise during sleep can lead to improvements in memory
tasks. For example, one study found that individuals who listened to pink noise during a nap
performed better in a word recall task compared to those who had no noise stimulation. “Pink
noise: effect on complexity synchronization of brain activity and sleep consolidation.” (Junhong
Zhou 1, Dongdong Liu, Xin Li, Jing Ma, Jue Zhang, Jing Fang, 2012.) Another study reported
that pink noise exposure during sleep improved memory performance on a word pair association
task.
Pink noise, also known as 1/f noise or flicker noise, is a type of random signal that contains equal
energy per octave. Unlike white noise, which has equal energy at all frequencies, pink noise
exhibits a power spectral density that decreases by 3 decibels per octave. This means that as the
frequency increases, the power of pink noise decreases. Pink noise is characterized by a balanced
distribution of frequencies, with lower frequencies having higher energy compared to higher
frequencies. It is often described as a "hissing" or "rushing water" sound. Pink noise is
encountered in various natural and man-made phenomena. It can be found in the sound of ocean
waves, wind blowing through trees, or even the fluctuations in stock market prices. In audio
engineering, pink noise is often used for testing and equalizing audio systems, as it provides a
more balanced representation of frequencies compared to white noise. Additionally, pink noise is
also used in various applications such as sleep and relaxation aids, as it is believed to have a
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soothing and calming effect on the brain. It is commonly used in sound machines, meditation
apps, and noise-cancelling devices to promote better sleep and relaxation.
Hypothesis: Pink noise has a significant effect on memory retention.
According to tests performed by Anderson and Fuller (2010) on students performing reading
comprehension tests, music can be a distracting element regardless of the type of music the test
subject is listening to when compared to performing the same reading comprehension test in
complete silence. This study also showed that individuals who were used to listen to music
whilst studying performed better at the primary task than those who were not used to listening to
music while working. This suggests that training is required to not have attention drawn towards
the incoming auditive stimuli which in the case of Anderson and Fuller was lyrical music.
When measuring the effect of white background noise on reaction time under a visual display
terminal test, experiments found that white noise significantly increased reaction time when
performing a reaction time task (Trimmel & Poelzl, 2007).
"Effect of Background Pink Noise on Cognitive Performance in Adults" by C. J. Fidell, et al.
(1995) - This study examined the impact of pink noise on cognitive performance in adults. It
found that exposure to pink noise improved cognitive performance, including memory tasks,
compared to a control condition.
Most research that has to do with some form of music as background noise and its effect on
cognitive functions has been done on children (Patston & Tippett, 2011.) Patston and Tippett’s
(2011) experiments on background music’s effect on cognitive functions in musicians and non-
musicians found that musicians had difficulty when performing a language comprehension task,
but not a visuospatial task. The differences in skill that comes from practice changes the way that
information is processed.
The research paper titled "Effect of Pink Noise on Memory Retention: A Study Using
Electroencephalography (EEG)." (Akari Hatayama; Atsushi Matsubara; Sota Nakashima; Seiji
Nishifuji, 2021) is directly relevant to the hypothesis of investigating the impact of pink noise on
memory retention. The abstract suggests that the study employs EEG measurements to explore
the relationship between pink noise and memory. The research aimed to assess how exposure to
pink noise influences memory retention, possibly revealing insights into the potential benefits of
pink noise as a tool for enhancing memory. The research reported the correct recall rate of these
participants was almost unchanged after the mental arithmetic task, indicating good memory
maintenance in the noise-added conditions.
The research article titled "The Effect of Pink Noise on Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review and
Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials" (Shih-Yi Lu, Yuan-Hao Huang, and Kuei-Yi
Lin, 2020) is indirectly relevant to the hypothesis of pink noise affecting memory retention.
Although the article primarily focuses on sleep quality, the relationship between sleep and
memory is well-established. Improved sleep quality has been associated with better memory
consolidation and retention. Therefore, if pink noise enhances sleep quality, as suggested by the
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article's findings, it indirectly implies that pink noise could potentially have a positive impact on
memory retention.
We, as researchers observed a higher level of attention and memory while studying with different
noises, particularly pink noise. Hence, we ventured out to see if the effect of pink noise and
memory was a natural phenomenon or a personal character effect. Upon further research, there is
scientific backing and multiple researches on the effect of different noises including pink noise.
Pink noise has a calming effect and can induce a state of relaxation. Stress and anxiety can
negatively impact memory processes, including encoding and retrieval.
The study highlights the significance of pink noise on task performance, memory, and retention.
It can be summarized as follows:
Task Performance: Pink noise has the potential to improve task performance by creating a more
focused and conducive environment. By reducing external distractions and providing a steady
background sound, pink noise can help restore attentional resources, reduce cognitive load, and
enhance concentration. This can lead to increased efficiency, accuracy, and productivity during
various cognitive tasks.
Memory Retention: Pink noise may play a significant role in memory retention by promoting
better sleep quality and sleep-dependent memory consolidation. Quality sleep is crucial for
memory consolidation, and pink noise has been shown to improve sleep by providing a soothing
and continuous sound environment. By enhancing sleep quality, pink noise can facilitate the
consolidation of newly acquired information, leading to improved memory retention.
Overall, the study reflects the importance that pink noise holds with regards to memory retention
and hands-on cognitive tasks.

Methodology
Participants:
The target population for this study were university students (N=32) and they were approached
randomly in the university premises. The age ranges of participants lied between 17 to 24 years
of age.
The inclusion criteria consisted of BS level individuals of intact hearing. We ensured that they
had no hearing impairments or conditions that may affect their ability to engage in the memory
game.
The exclusion criteria consisted of students of BS psychology program.
Experimental Design Technique:
The study was based on single-factor experimental design.
Experimental Paradigm:
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In this study independent measure group/between group/randomized group experimental

paradigm was utilized.
Operational definition:
According to APA, memory can be operationally defined as the ability to retain information or a
representation of past experience, based on the mental processes of learning or encoding,
retention across some interval of time, and retrieval or reactivation of the memory.
According to the APA, short-term memory (STM) involves the reproduction, recognition, or
recall of a limited amount of material after a period of about 10 to 30 seconds. STM is often
theorized to be separate from long-term memory, and the two are the components of the dual-
store model of memory. STM is frequently tested in intelligence or neuropsychological
examinations.
Pink noise, also known as 1/f noise, is a type of sound that has equal power in each octave band.
This means that the energy of the sound is distributed evenly across the frequency spectrum. It is
called "pink" because when the sound is visualized on a frequency spectrum analyzer, it appears
to have more energy in the lower frequencies, giving it a pinkish hue. The term "pink noise" was
coined by Robert F. Voss and J. Clarke in 1978.
Procedure:
After getting the idea approved by the experimental supervisor, we ventured off to begin with
deciding a criteria for participants that was appropriate for this study. The criteria consisted of
students that weren’t studying BS psychology and were with intact hearing. The participants
were approached randomly, by using purposive sampling method. We gave them a general
overview about the research while withholding the main purpose of the study as to eliminate any
participant bias. We assured them that their names and results would remain confidential. They
were told that their participation is voluntary and they withdraw from the research at any given
moment. The people who agreed to participate in our experiment were asked to individually join
us in a controlled classroom environment to ensure standardized conditions and minimize
potential confounding factors. They were then provided with consent forms. After the consent
forms were signed, we randomly assigned the participants to one of the two conditions:
experimental group (this group was introduced to the independent variable i.e. pink noise
through headphones), and control group (this group was not exposed to the independent variable
i.e. pink noise), by making them choose one of the two identical paper chits with similar exterior
to counter any possible bias. In experimental group, the participants were instructed to wear
headphones and listen to pink noise that was adjusted to a specific level of volume which was
generalized, while they played the memory game. The control group participants were assigned
to play the memory game under similar conditions but without the independent variable i.e. pink
noise through the headphones.

The cognitive task we utilized to assess the participants’ memory retention was a memory game
(picture match on Appstore). The memory game can involve presenting participants with a series
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of stimuli, such as words or images, and asking them to remember as many items as possible and
match them according to the game requirements. We demonstrated the game to all participants,
ensuring that the task is identical for both groups. They were all challenged to complete the level
and the researcher alongside tracked the time taken through a stopwatch as the participants
continue to perform. After the participants were done with task, they were debriefed about the
real aim of the research. The readings obtained from the participants were then place in a tabular
form and further analyzed.

Results
Experimental Group:
Male Female
72s 80s
66s 68s
65s 65s
65s 65s
59s 58s
58s 49s
50s 48s
44s 46s
Mean time taken= 59.87s Mean time taken= 59.87s

There was a total of 16 participants; 8 males and 8 females, that were randomly assigned to the
experimental group. Both given the independent variable i.e., pink noise as background noise,
the mean of the given set of seconds for both males and females in the experimental group turned
out to be approximately 59.875 seconds. (For example: we added up all the given values: 80 + 68
+ 65 + 65 + 58 + 49 + 48 + 46 = 479, counted the number of values in the set; 8 values, then
divided the sum by the number of values: 479 / 8 = 59.875.)
When comparing the mean values, it indicates that there is no significant difference in the
average performance between males and females in the experimental group. Both genders
achieved a similar mean completion time for the task.
Control Group:
Male Female
88s 83s
80s 74s
77s 68s
70s 65s
63s 63s
60s 57s
57s 54s
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54s 51s
Mean time taken= 68.6s Mean time taken= 64.3s

There was a total of 16 participants; 8 males and 8 females, that were randomly assigned to the
control group. The mean of the given set of seconds for males in the control group is
approximately 68.625 seconds. (We added up all the given values: 88 + 80 + 77 + 70 + 63 + 60 +
57 + 54 = 549, counted the number of values in the set; 8 values, then divided the sum by the
number of values: 549 / 8 = 68.625.) Similarly, the mean of the given set of seconds for females
in the control group is approximately 64.375 seconds. (We added up all the given values: 83 + 74
+ 68 + 65 + 63 + 57 + 54 + 51 = 515, counted the number of values in the set; 8 values, then
divided the sum by the number of values: 515 / 8 = 64.375.)
When comparing the mean values, it indicates that males in the control group took longer to
complete the task as compared to the female participants.
Overview: The study conducted was based upon single factor experimental design. The
hypothesis of our study was “the effect of pink on short term memory retention”. Upon analyzing
the data, it was found that participants in the experimental group, who were exposed to pink
noise during memory tasks, exhibited a significant improvement in memory retention compared
to the control group.
The participants in the experimental group achieved an average score of 59.87s, while those in
the control group achieved an average score of 66.45s. The difference between the mean of the
experimental group and the mean of the control group is approximately 6.58 seconds indicating a
positive effect of pink noise on memory retention.
Comparing the mean results (Males): The mean completion time for males in the experimental
group was approximately 59.875 seconds, while in the control group, it was approximately
68.625 seconds. This indicates that, on average, males in the control group took longer to
complete the task compared to males in the experimental group.
These results highlight a potential disparity in task completion time between males in the
experimental group (mean of 59.875 seconds) and males in the control group (mean of 68.625
seconds). It could imply that the experimental condition or intervention in the study had an
impact on improving task performance compared to the control group.
Comparing the mean results (Females): The mean completion time for females in the
experimental group was approximately 59.875 seconds, while in the control group, it was
approximately 64.375 seconds. This suggests that, on average, females in the control group took
longer to complete the task compared to females in the experimental group.
These results imply that the experimental condition or intervention in the study may have had a
positive impact on improving task performance for females compared to the control group.
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Discussion
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pink noise on short term memory retention.
A total of 32 participants were randomly assigned to either a control group (n=16) or a pink noise
group/experimental group (n=16). The mean short term memory retention percentage was
calculated for each group. The results indicated that participants in the control group had a mean
memory retention of 66.45s, while participants in the experimental group had a mean memory
retention of 59.87s.
The results of the study indicate that the use of pink noise may have a positive effect on short
term memory retention, as evidenced by the comparable mean time taken observed in the
experimental group (59.87s for both males and females). These findings suggest that pink noise
has the potential to influence memory performance irrespective of gender. The absence of
significant gender differences within the experimental group supports the notion that pink noise
may have a consistent impact on memory retention across genders. However, it is worth noting
that the control group exhibited a slight gender disparity in memory retention, with males
demonstrating higher mean time taken (68.625s) compared to females (64.375s). This
discrepancy in the control group suggests that other factors unrelated to the experimental
condition might contribute to gender-related variations in memory performance. Despite this
limitation, the results suggest that incorporating pink noise as a cognitive intervention technique
holds promise for enhancing memory performance. Future research with a larger and more
diverse sample size should be conducted to confirm and generalize these findings. Additionally,
exploring the long-term effects of pink noise on memory retention and considering potential
moderating variables, such as age and cognitive ability, would further enrich our understanding
of the impact of pink noise on memory processes.
Influence of Pink Noise on Gender Differences: The comparable mean results observed in the
experimental group indicate that pink noise had a consistent effect on short term memory
retention regardless of gender. The absence of significant gender differences within the
experimental group suggests that pink noise may have influenced memory retention similarly in
both males and females.
However, it should be noted that the control group demonstrated a small discrepancy between
males and females in terms of memory retention, with males exhibiting slightly higher time
taken to complete the given task. This may indicate potential gender-related variations in
memory performance unrelated to pink noise exposure.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the research findings suggest that the use of pink noise may have a
positive effect on short-term memory retention. The comparable mean time taken observed in the
experimental group, regardless of gender, indicates that pink noise has the potential to influence
memory performance irrespective of gender differences. This finding suggests that incorporating
pink noise as a cognitive intervention technique holds promise for enhancing memory
performance.
Limitations: The slight gender disparity exhibited by the control group in memory retention
suggests that factors unrelated to the experimental condition might contribute to gender-related
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variations in memory performance. Despite this limitation, the overall results support the notion
that pink noise has a consistent impact on memory retention across genders within the
experimental group. To strengthen these findings, future research should be conducted with a
larger and more diverse sample size. This would help to confirm and generalize the observed
effects of pink noise on memory performance.
Additionally, it would be valuable to explore the long-term effects of pink noise on memory
retention and consider potential moderating variables, such as age and cognitive ability.
Investigating these factors would further enrich our understanding of the impact of pink noise on
memory processes and provide a more comprehensive picture of its potential as a cognitive
intervention technique.

References
 Anderson, S. A., & Fuller, G. B. (2010). Effect of music on reading comprehension of junior
high school students. School Psychology Quarterly, 25, 178-187.
 Fidell, C. J., Tabachnick, B. G., Ferrer, R. L., & Silva, L. R. (1995). Effect of Background
Pink Noise on Cognitive Performance in Adults. Journal of Applied Psychology, 80(4), 565-
572.
 Hatayama, A., Matsubara, A., Nakashima, S., & Nishifuji, S. (2021). Effect of Pink Noise
on EEG and Memory Performance in Memory Task. In 2021 IEEE 10th Global Conference
on Consumer Electronics (GCCE) (pp. 238-241).
 Lu, S. Y., Huang, Y. H., & Lin, K. Y. (2020). Spectral content (colour) of noise exposure
affects work efficiency. Noise Health, 22(104), 19-27.
 Patston, L. L. M., & Tippett, L. J., (2011). The effect on background music on cognitive
performance in Musicians and Non Muscians. Music Perception: Interdisciplinary Journal,
29, 173-183.
 Trimmel, M., & Poelzl. G. (2007). Impact of background noise on reaction time and brain
DC potential changes of VDT based spatial attention. Ergonomics, 49, 202-208.
 Voss, R., & Clarke, J. (1978). "1/f noise" in music: Music from 1/f noise. Journal of the
Acoustical Society of America, 63(1), 258-263.
 Zhou J, Liu D, Li X, Ma J, Zhang J, Fang J. Pink noise: effect on complexity
synchronization of brain activity and sleep consolidation. J Theor Biol. 2012; 306:68–
72. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
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Appendix
Attached below is the informed consent form:

CONSENT FORM:

We are students of BS psychology 3rd semester from Institute of Professional Psychology,

Bahria University Karachi Campus, who wish to study the amount of interest people show in
memory targeted games. If you're willing to participate, you will be asked to fill out your
demographics. Furthermore, you will be asked to play a simple memory game. The game will
take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete.

The results of this study may help to improve our understanding of the subject we’re looking
in to, and your participation could benefit future research in this area.
All data collected during the study will be kept confidential and anonymous. Participants'
names will not be used in any publications or reports. Only the research team will have
access to the data collected.

Participation in this study is voluntary. You may choose not to participate or withdraw at any
time without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are entitled. You are free to ask any
questions about the study before or during your participation.

I have read and understand the above information. I voluntarily agree to participate in this
study and give my informed consent.

Participant’s Signature: ___________________________

Date: ___________________________
Researcher’s Name: ____________________
Researcher’s Signature: ___________________

DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION:

Please answer the following questions about yourself:

Name: ______________________________
Age: _______________________

Gender:
Male Female Other

Department: ___________________________________
Semester: _______________________________

Thank you for taking the time to complete this form. If you have any questions or concerns
about this study, please feel free to ask any questions.