Previous studies have shown that children with attention difficulties solve cognitive(认知的)tasks better when they are listening to white noise. However, this is the first time that such a link has been proved between visual(视觉的) white noise and cognitive abilities such as memory and reading.
The study was conducted on around 80 students. The children who took part were selected following a word recognition test and were divided into three groups: good readers, children with some reading difficulties, and children with major reading difficulties. They were asked to read 12 words while being exposed to four different levels of visual white noise, from zero to high.
The results showed that the group with major reading difficulties performed significantly better when exposed to visual white noise. They read more words correctly and also recalled more words. The white noise had no effect or negative effects on the good readers and those with only small reading problems.
The children in the study were exposed to different levels of white noise, with the result showing that the amount of noise is the key to reading and memory. “You can compare it with being shortsighted and needing glasses. When we exposed the children to a medium level of white noise, their reading improved. However, their reading skills were affected when there was no noise or a high level of noise,” said Göran Söderlund, Senior Lecturer in Education at the University of Gothenburg.
“These results show that children with reading difficulties can be helped with a simple intervention(干预). By altering screens in school or at home, we hope to be able to resolve their problems,” added Göran ,
Göran wants to further study the effects of white noise. He hopes that new studies can answer the question of whether practicing with white noise for a prolonged period can lead to lasting improvements. “It’s important to continue with new studies to establish whether this simple measure, which everyone can do on the laptop, will actually provide continuous help for these children.
【小题1】How are the students divided into three groups?| A．By their study habits. |
| B．By their reading abilities. |
| C．By their personal interest. |
| D．By their learning environment. |
| A．do great harm to students’ eyesight |
| B．cause good readers to become more active and energetic |
| C．make students with small reading problems unable to concentrate |
| D．improve reading and memory of students with major reading difficulties |
| A．Wearing a pair of protective glasses. |
| B．Getting a proper level of visual white noise. |
| C．Having a good knowledge of visual white noise. |
| D．Fixing the eyes on the screen as much as possible. |
| A．Adjusting. | B．Covering. |
| C．Testing. | D．Touching. |
