One of the most common questions we get from students is, “Should I listen to music while studying?” It makes sense. It’s a great question.
So how about you? Do you listen to music while studying?
Honestly, it’s one of those questions we think students have to answer for themselves. We can’t tell students exactly what to do. This is because the psychologists can’t agree either. The evidence isn’t really focused enough.
Consider one of the latest examples. The music company Spotify recently had a psychologist apparently study the effect of different types of music on students. The psychologist said it was good for you to listen to music while studying. She specifically said listening to Miley Cyrus makes you smarter and more relaxed. Personally, I’m not sure I agree (although I’m sure Miley is a lovely human being). See the USA Today for more info.
Another blogger (a professor) has also thrown up the red flag on the study, pointing out that he couldn’t get his hands on the research data (we weren’t able to either).
And then a study by Dr. Perham was tossed into the ring recently. Dr. Perham studied the effects of liked and disliked music on your ability to concentrate and conduct effective recall. He shows that music decreases your ability to perform certain mental activities when listening to music (or any background noise).
So, should I listen to music while studying or not?
If only it were as easy as a “yes” or “no” answer. Generally speaking, though, we’ve got 5 situations for you to consider. The most important thing is that you watch your own level of focus; but keep these 5 study tips in mind when deciding to listen to music while studying.
1. In a noisy environment
Sometimes you have to study in a noisy environment. If you have more than one sibling, you always do. But noise from your environment can disrupt what you are doing. It breaks concentration and can decrease productivity by up to two-thirds. In that setting it’s best to use some music (or other type of sound) to create some interference. Music can create a distraction shield.
2. When trying to learn a language
Miley has nothing for you if you’re trying to learn Japanese.
Anytime you try learning subjects that require some sort of recall order, music hurts you. Music with words is the worst. When trying to verbally process information and do so in the right order, noise hurts you anyway. Lyrics can cripple you. Don’t expect to do well on learning vocab, grammar, anatomy, or anything else that requires recalling loads of verbal info when listening to music while studying those subjects.
3. When reading a book
Classical or non-lyrical (music without words) can be fine here. Throw in the music’s lyrics, and it’s like running uphill with a parachute attached. You’re going to go much slower. As a general rule of thumb, don’t listen to music with words when doing anything that is highly verbal.
4. Sitting in class
Nope. Don’t do it.
I don’t even feel like I need to explain this one, but I will. Students listen to music in class because they like the music and not the class. I get it.
But you might be taking it twice if you don’t learn well the first time. Turn off the tunes for any class lectures.
5. When you are mentally unfocused
This is a toss up. Actually, it may be best to listen to some tunes in this case.
Music has trade offs. First, it boosts your mood. Better moods tend to make you more focused. More focused students do much better.
But it also has a tendency to decrease your productivity (at least short-term; long-term hasn’t been studied so far as we know). It may take you longer to do what you need to do.
So here’s where we are: listening to music when studying can boost your focus (so productivity goes up) but decrease your effectiveness (productivity goes down). So which is best?
You’ll have to discover that for yourself. But one thing to note – listening to music before studying can have the same positive effects as listening to it while studying. But the negative effects go away. You can take it or leave it, but that’s the situation.
So how about you – do you listen to music while studying? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.
