> Interestingly, this study revealed some evidence that overall background noise, such as television, music, and chatter could improve performance in complex co

> Interestingly, this study revealed some evidence that overall background noise, such as television, music, and chatter could improve performance in complex cognitive tasks for extraverts, although it will significantly impair introverts’ performance (Furnham & Bradley, 1997). Maybe this explains why open offices are so popular with higher-ups? They tend to be extroverts, and if their own personal experience is that distracting noise is positive... I've always wondered why the negative impact isn't completely self-evident.