Noise, Cognitive Function, and Worker Productivity
通过肯尼亚内罗毕的两项随机实验，发现噪声增加7分贝使纺织培训课程的生产率下降3%，损害认知功能但不影响努力程度，且工人未意识到安静环境能提高生产率。
Noisy workplaces common in low- and middle-income countries can impair workers' cognitive functions. However, whether this lowers earnings depends on the importance of these functions for productivity and whether workers understand these effects. I study these questions with two randomized experiments in Nairobi, Kenya. I find a noise increase of 7 dB reduces productivity in a textile training course by 3 percent, impairs cognitive function, but does not affect effort. I also find willingness to pay for quiet working conditions does not depend on whether pay depends on performance, suggesting participants are not aware that quiet would increase their productivity.