[jimmahoney]

The statistically significant result is that scores on this test : "in each trial set, participants complete a series of math problems (information processing) while simultaneously updating and remembering a randomly generated letter sequence (information maintenance)" were significantly different for those with their phone silenced, face down on the desk next to them than for those with their phones in another room.

Given that this test essentially measures attention and distractions would seem to affect performance, I wonder what the results would be for some other object on the desk in the field of view - a book or a photo say - rather than just a phone.