[2] It has been argued that the distraction-attention theory suggests that "distraction during a simple task will improve performance if it triggers attentional conflict".
Distraction-conflict has been supported by several studies which have produced results showing that "distractions, such as noise or flashing lights, have the same drivelike effects on task performance that audiences do".
[7] In their initial research in 1978, Sanders, Baron, and Moore hypothesized that subjects would be more distracted when performing a task with a coactor or an audience than when working alone.
In 1978, Sanders, Baron, and Moore argued that distraction could occur if "subjects wanted to get social comparison information from the other person.
The other participants were told the study was about the ability to defer gratification, thus making it likely students would compare their performances with a coactor.
Sanders, Baron, and Moore found that subjects were motivated to compare their performances with coactors, causing distraction.
[10] A 2004 study performed by Muller, Atzeni, and Butera found support for the attentional conflict hypothesis of the distraction-conflict model.
The researchers found that coaction decreased the errors committed by the subjects when in the condition of upward social comparison.
The 1978 study performed by Sanders, Baron, and Moore recognizes that the outcomes do not establish distraction as the only feature increasing arousal.