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The effects of binaural beats on driving performance
Silva, Jacob Wright, Collin
Silva, Jacob
Wright, Collin
Files
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JacobSilvaPoster.pdf
Adobe PDF, 474.71 KB
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JSilvaAbstract.pdf
Adobe PDF, 96.74 KB
Authors
Other Names
Location
Time Period
Advisors
Original Date
Digitization Date
Issue Date
2025
Type
Abstract
Poster
Poster
Genre
Keywords
Binaural beats,Driving,Simulation,Attention,Cognition
Subjects (LCSH)
Citation
Silva, J., Wright, C., & Baldwin, C. L. The effects of binaural beats on driving performance. -- FYRE in STEM Showcase, 2025.
Abstract
Listening to binaural beats in the gamma range (around 40 Hz) is thought to affect alertness. Binaural beats are a naturally occurring phenomenon in which two sound frequencies presented at the same time to each ear create the perception of a third tone that is the difference between the two frequencies. Recent studies have shown that binaural beats can affect attention and cognition (e.g., alert versus relaxed) depending on the frequency. However, results are inconclusive – likely due to a wide range of methodological issues such as the use of different base frequencies, entrainment durations, and the type of sound used to mask the binaural beat. We hypothesized that listening to binaural beats of 40 Hz embedded in engine noise (relative to a control condition of only engine noise) would increase alertness and improve performance in a simulated driving task. Participants listened to the 40 Hz or control stimuli for a total of 30 minutes (10-minute practice drive, plus 20-minute experimental drive). Data collected to date provides little support for this hypothesis. We found that individuals in the 40 Hz condition made more simulated driving task errors relative to those in the control condition. Data collection is on-going as the current results are preliminary with a sample size of only eight (four in each condition). Further research is needed to examine the validity of using binaural beats to alter attentional state.
Table of Contents
Description
Poster and abstract presented at the FYRE in STEM Showcase, 2025.
Research project completed at the Department of Psychology.
Research project completed at the Department of Psychology.
Publisher
Wichita State University
Journal
Book Title
Series
FYRE in STEM 2025