Emil Skog, associate senior lecturer in psychology at Luleå University of Technology.
23 April 2026
Investigating how vibrations affect memory
Psychology researchers at Luleå University of Technology will investigate how vibrations affect memory and distraction, with the aim of contributing to better working environments and more effective warning systems. The research is rooted in cognitive psychology, which explores how we receive, process, store and use information.
A new research project in cognitive psychology examines how distraction affects short-term memory. The three-year project, funded by the Riksbankens Jubileumsfond, aims to increase understanding of how people take in and process information from their surroundings.
"It means a great deal to receive this grant. It provides a strong opportunity to strengthen our research in cognitive psychology," says Emil Skog, researcher in psychology at Luleå University of Technology, who leads the project.
Key questions include how vibrations affect concentration and memory, and whether distraction occurs automatically or can be controlled. This will be investigated in a laboratory setting, where participants carry out memory tasks while being exposed to different types of distracting stimuli. Unlike previous research, which has mainly focused on sound, the project examines vibrations as a new form of distraction.
"I believe it is important to test different forms of distraction in order to better understand how memory and forgetting work," says Emil.
Can contribute to better working environments and warning systems
In the long term, the findings may influence how environments are designed where people need to concentrate, such as in the workplace. The research may also contribute to the development of new types of warning systems, where vibrations may be better suited to capture attention. It is particularly relevant for working environments where people are exposed to recurring vibrations, such as pilots, drivers and machine operators. At the same time, the issue is broader, as many of us are affected daily by vibrations from, for example, mobile phones at work.
"A better understanding of how short-term memory works can provide new insights into how the environment affects us when we try to concentrate, remember, or solve problems," says Emil Skog.
Collaboration with leading researchers
The project is carried out in collaboration with several leading researchers in the field and includes around ten planned experiments during the period 2026–2028. The first studies are already underway, and the results are expected to be published on an ongoing basis and presented at international conferences.
Published:
Updated: