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Abstract

We exposed 72 subjects to 23 95d BA unpredictable noise bursts, and assigned them to one of four experimental conditions: full information-perceived control, standard information-perceived control, full information-no control, and standard information-no control. All subjects completed arithmetic problems during the noise exposure and attempted Feather's (1961) line puzzles after hearing the noise. Contrary to predictions, the data revealed that subjects given full information about the experimental procedures experienced more frustration than subjects given standard information. The control manipulation decreased frustration only for subjects given full information. Possible explanations to account for the present findings are discussed.

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