CortexLit

CortexLit tool · Learning and attention · Runs offline · No account

Music and Focus Test

Run a two-session test of your own sound setup and compare output, time and distraction ratings.

← Back to the article · See the evidence

This tool gives general information based on the research summarised in Background Music and Focus: When It Helps and When It Costs. It is not a medical device, does not diagnose, and does not replace advice from your clinician.

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Free (this page)
  • rate comparison and distraction ratings
  • plain-language reading
  • text export and print
  • all citations and cautions


Plus (optional, one-time)
  • calendar (.ics) test session reminders
  • unlimited share images
  • share card without the 'Made with CortexLit' footer


Checkout isn't live yet, so Plus is unlocked here with a local code. The check runs in your browser and can be bypassed; it is a placeholder for a real payment link.






Free tier: 1 share image per result.






Commercial disclosure: optional paid Plus tier; all evidence, cautions and the main result are free. No affiliate links, no sponsors.







What this is based on


Every output names at least one verified PubMed source. Identifiers were verified on 2026-10-11 in an earlier batch and carried over into this build; they were not re-queried here, and no retraction database was checked. Verification was at abstract level.


Vasilev 2018
Vasilev MR, Kirkby JA, Angele B. Auditory Distraction During Reading: A Bayesian Meta-Analysis of a Continuing Controversy. Perspect Psychol Sci. 2018;13(5):567-597. doi:10.1177/1745691617747398. PMID: 29958067.
PMID 29958067 · systematic review meta analysis · weight 1.0 · abstract level
Haapakangas 2020
Haapakangas A, Hongisto V, Liebl A. The relation between the intelligibility of irrelevant speech and cognitive performance-A revised model based on laboratory studies. Indoor Air. 2020;30(6):1130-1146. doi:10.1111/ina.12726. PMID: 32735743.
PMID 32735743 · systematic review · weight 1.0 · abstract level
Shen 2025
Shen Y. Distractions in digital reading: a meta-analysis of attentional interference effects. Front Psychol. 2025;16:1671214. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1671214. PMID: 41368163.
PMID 41368163 · systematic review meta analysis · weight 1.0 · abstract level


Limits: A two-session self-comparison cannot control for order, time of day or task difficulty. It is an observation about you, not evidence, and does not measure quality of work.







Privacy


Inputs stay in this page's memory. There is no telemetry, no analytics call and no network request. Saving is opt-in, local to this browser, deletable, and unencrypted.