Music has been a constant companion to human activities for centuries, and its influence on various aspects of our lives is undeniable. One such facet is its impact on studying.
The relationship between music and studying has been a subject of debate among researchers, educators, and students alike for many years. Some claim that music enhances focus and productivity, while others argue that it serves as a distraction.
As we delve into this topic, we’ll explore the intricate dynamics between music and its effect on studying.
The Basis of the Debate
Studying is a complex brain activity that requires an extreme amount of attention and focus in order to effectively process and memorise the information contained in your course material. Without focus, it’ll be much harder to comprehend the theories and concepts in your study material, as well as prolong the process of studying.
Some researchers claim that the rhythm and melodies contained in music can positively influence these cognitive processes and help students focus. On the other hand, others state that music is a distraction that will decrease concentration and make the process a lot harder.
The problem faced by researchers and the reason why there is no definitive answer, as to whether music is beneficial to studying or not, is that everyone reacts to music differently. While you might find that music aids you in your efforts to concentrate, others experience it as overwhelming and distracting.
Therefore, it’s up to you as the student to assess your reactions to music while trying to focus and determine whether it’s something that aids or hinders your process.
The Benefits of Listening to Music While Studying
There are many benefits that have been recorded while looking into the subject of listening to music while studying.
- Enhanced focus: certain types of music, such as instrumental or ambient music, have been shown to create a conducive environment for studying. They may help drown out external distractions and enable the student to immerse themselves in their work. This is especially true for students who find themselves in spaces that are very busy and filled with distracting noises, such as parents or peers having conversations close to their study area.
- Mood enhancement: music has the power to evoke emotions and influence mood. Listening to uplifting or calming music can create a positive emotional state, leading to better receptivity and engagement with the study material. For example, if you are in a calm and happy mood, it’s more likely that you’ll approach studying positively and study more effectively.
- Reduced anxiety: studying can sometimes be stressful, especially during exams or when working towards assignment deadlines. Music with soothing qualities may alleviate anxiety and create a more relaxed state of mind, conducive to effective learning.
- Stimulation of creativity: some individuals find that certain types of music, like classical compositions or ambient sounds, enhance their creative thinking. This can be particularly helpful when engaging in tasks that require problem-solving and critical thinking. For example, when trying to solve a mathematics problem, classical music could stimulate those areas of the brain that assist in solving such problems.
The Negative Effects of Listening to Music While Studying
Just as there are many benefits to studying with music, there are also negative effects that have been found to hinder concentration and effectiveness.
- Cognitive load: multi-tasking, such as listening to music while studying, can increase cognitive load. The brain has limited processing capacity, and attempting to process both the study material and the music simultaneously might lead to a decline in overall comprehension and retention of the information contained in your course material.
- Distraction: music with lyrics, especially when the lyrics are in a language the student understands, can compete for cognitive resources, diverting attention away from the study material. Therefore, if you do prefer studying with music, it’s important to ensure that you do not listen to music with lyrics that are written in a language that you understand.
- Interference with memory: some studies suggest that music can interfere with encoding and retrieving information. In other words, you’ll struggle to process the information you are trying to understand. For example, have you ever found yourself reading a sentence and then having to read it several times more, because you are not focused enough to understand its meaning? When the brain is processing music, it might struggle to effectively process and memorise the studied content.
While these negative effects have been documented, it’s important to remember that the impact of music on studying is highly individualised. What works for one person may not work for another. Factors such as personal preferences, familiarity with the music, and the specific task at hand all play a role.
The Best Music for Studying
The choice of music for studying can vary significantly from person to person based on your individual preferences, the nature of the task at hand, and whether or not you have personal sensitivities to auditory stimuli. However, certain types of music are generally considered more conducive to studying.
- Instrumental music: as we mentioned, music without lyrics is often recommended for studying as it reduces the chances of language processing interference. Classical music, film scores, ambient music, and instrumental jazz are popular choices. They provide a pleasant background without demanding too much cognitive processing.
- Ambient sounds and nature tracks: while this is not typically classified as music, some find that ambient sounds, such as rain, ocean waves, or forest sounds, can create a calming environment that enhances concentration. If you study in a noisy and/or busy environment, these tracks can effectively mask the distracting noises in your surroundings.
- Baroque music: Baroque compositions, particularly those with a tempo of around 60–70 beats per minute, have been suggested to improve focus and cognitive performance. The ‘Mozart effect’ theory proposes that listening to music like that of Mozart might temporarily boost spatial-temporal reasoning.
- Lo-fi and chillhop: lo-fi hip-hop and chillhop music have gained popularity among students for their relaxing and mellow effect. These genres often feature simple beats and instrumental melodies, creating an ambience that supports studying without overwhelming the mind.
- Video game soundtracks: many video game soundtracks are designed to enhance engagement and focus without being overly distracting. They are composed to accompany tasks that require prolonged attention, making them suitable for studying.
- Personalised playlists: creating your own playlist with familiar songs that have a calm and soothing effect can be beneficial. Make sure the songs are not too energetic or emotionally charged to avoid distraction.
- White noise or brown noise: white noise, pink noise, and brown noise are types of ambient sounds that can effectively mask background noises and create a consistent, unobtrusive backdrop for studying. They are typically constant sounds that do not distract due to fluctuation in sound, melody, or tempo.
- Binaural beats: these are auditory illusions created by playing slightly different frequencies in each ear. Some believe that binaural beats can help induce states of relaxation or focus. However, it should be mentioned that the scientific evidence for their effectiveness is mixed.
Remember that while music can be a helpful aid for studying, there might also be times when complete silence is the most conducive environment for deep concentration. Ultimately, the ‘best’ music for studying is the one that supports your focus and cognitive engagement without becoming a distraction.
