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.