Listening to __________. [originaltext] Background music may seem harmless, bu

Background music may seem harmless, but it can have a powerful effect on those who hear it. Recorded background music first found its way into factories, shops and restaurants in the U. S. But it soon spread to parts of the world. Now it is becoming increasingly difficult to go shopping or eat a meal without listening to music.
   To begin with, broadcasting the music was intended simply to create a smoothing atmosphere. Recently, however it’s become big business--thanks in part to recent research. Dr. Ronald Millirtan, an American marketing expert, has shown that music can greatly boost sales or incense factory production.
   But, it has to be light music. A fast one has no effect at all on sales. Slow music can increase income by 38%. This is probably because shoppers slow down and have more opportunity to spot items, they like to buy. Slow music isn’t always the answer. Dr. Millirtan found, for example, in restaurants slow music meant customers took longer time to eat their meals, which reduced overall sales. So restaurant owners might be well advised to play up quick music to keep the customers moving in or out. Of course, this will lead to the customers’ complaints!
16. When people go shopping or eat a meal, what they probably do?