Yes, music can affect comprehension scores. Studies have shown that background music can either enhance or hinder concentration and cognitive performance depending on factors such as the individual’s personal preferences and the complexity of the task.
And now, a closer look
Music has long been recognized as a powerful tool that can enhance or hinder various cognitive functions, including comprehension scores. Numerous studies have shown that the impact of music on focus and understanding can vary depending on individual preferences and the complexity of the task at hand. While some people may find that listening to music helps them concentrate and improve their comprehension, others may find it distracting and detrimental to their performance.
One interesting finding in this area comes from a study conducted by psychology researchers at the University of Wales. They found that participants who listened to familiar, liked music while performing a reading comprehension task performed better compared to those who either listened to disliked music or worked in silence. This suggests that personal preferences play a crucial role in how music affects comprehension scores.
In contrast, another study published in the journal Applied Cognitive Psychology revealed that complex and demanding tasks tend to be negatively affected by background music. The researchers found that participants who listened to music while completing a complex reading comprehension task had lower scores compared to those who worked in a quiet environment. This suggests that the cognitive load imposed by both the task and the music may be too demanding for optimal comprehension.
It is worth noting that the effects of music on comprehension can also be influenced by factors such as the genre of music, volume, lyrics, and the individual’s level of expertise in the task being performed. For example, instrumental music without lyrics may be less distracting and more conducive to concentration compared to music with lyrics. Furthermore, people who are highly skilled in a particular task may be less affected by the presence of music compared to novices.
To further illustrate the diverse effects of music on comprehension scores, let’s take a look at a hypothetical table showcasing different scenarios:
| Scenario | Comprehension Score |
|---|---|
| Silence | 80% |
| Preferred music | 85% |
| Disliked music | 75% |
| Complex task + music | 70% |
| Simple task + music | 90% |
| Instrumental music (no lyrics) | 87% |
As Ludwig van Beethoven once famously said, “Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life.” This quote emphasizes the profound impact music can have on our emotions, thoughts, and even our cognitive abilities. When it comes to comprehension scores, the relationship between music and performance is multifaceted and depends on a range of individual and task-related factors.
In conclusion, music does indeed have an impact on comprehension scores. However, the extent to which it enhances or hinders performance varies depending on personal preferences, task complexity, and other factors. It is essential for individuals to experiment and find the optimal conditions under which they can maximize their focus and understanding.
I discovered more solutions online
The familiarity of the music that is being played in the background while students are reading a text can have a real impact on students’ reading comprehension.
This study is a quantitative study that observed the effects that music had on the reading comprehension scores of undergraduate students. Most of the previous research and studies have shown that music has a significant effect on scores and one’s memory, while others have shown the opposite.
Some behavioural studies have shown that reading comprehension can be improved using background music, such as Mozart’s music21–23, highly repetitive music with a narrow tonal range24and songs25.
The mini-research found out that the scores in the comprehension test of those students who read the story under the classical music background has significant difference compare to the controlled group.
Research suggests, however, that listening to music can reduce working memory capacity. If you already have a hard time manipulating multiple pieces of information, listening to music could make this process even more challenging. It can lower reading comprehension
Results analyzed at the end of the year showed that the music-learning group had significantly better vocabulary and verbal sequencing scores than did the non-music-learning control group.
Watch a video on the subject
This video discusses how playing an instrument benefits your brain by enhancing neural processing and memory functions.