Does listening to music while studying hurt performance ?
By Swathi Thiruppathi
The Best Time to Listen to Music
Research has shown that listening to music before doing a job enhances our “ attention , memory , and our mental math abilities ,” and it also eases “ depression and anxiety ” ( Doraiswamy , 2012 ). However , a study done by the University of Whales suggests that the same cannot be confirmed when music with vocals was played while the students were studying or doing homework . Test scores were higher for the tests taken in a quieter environment ( Doraiswamy , 2012 ). However , according to Charara — a clinical psychologist — some students dislike quiet environment , as it would make them unfocused and perturbed ( Teo , 2013 ). Music calms them , and helps them become more focused on their task ( Teo , 2013 ). Furthermo-
Winter / Spring 2017 | ZEALOUSNESS MAGAZINE |
During university days , I was inundated with many assignments . My friend and I would camp in front of a computer for hours to complete our assignments , with the limited time we had . During these sessions , my friend would listen to music and reasoned that it helped with stress , and kept her focused . When I tried to do the same , it did not work for me ; I found it distracting . I found my attention drifting to the song and music and not on my work . Maybe this was due to the fact that it was drilled into me — from a young age — that external noise negatively affects concentration and hinders studying .
Or does it ?
It has become the norm for students to listen to music while studying . This trend has been on the rise due to the evolution of portable music players and online music channels such as smartphones , iPods , MP3 players , YouTube and music streaming services . . It has been discovered that music therapy holds many benefits for our overall health ( Jockers , 2013 ). Music can uplift our spirits and induces “ positive emotions ,” keeping us happy . It also helps us become more creative , can help reduce blood pressure and it is also used for the treatment of Alzheimer ’ s and Parkinson ’ s disease .