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by Answerbag Staff on January 27th, 2010

Answerbag Staff

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Does listening to music while doing homework affect people's grade point average?

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  • by Sky Smith on January 27th, 2010

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    Great Answer

    Professionally Researched. (What's this?)

    On One Hand: Some Background Music Can Help

    Although grade point average (GPA) is not directly impacted by music played while doing homework, studies have shown a little background music (minus the vocals and heavy beats) can enhance concentration by helping to "tune out" street noise and other background sound. Also, a lot of research supports the "Mozart Effect" theory that claims classical music enhances mental clarity.

    On the Other: GPA Really Depends on Other Factors

    GPA depends on student motivation, requirements for achievement, intrinsic ability and levels of stress. Regardless of the presence of music--which according to other studies distracts from homework if it is entertaining or played loudly--the student will either perform at a high level or will not.

    Bottom Line

    If music did affect GPA, which would only be in the slightest way, it would depend on the type of music being played. Light, classical music has been indicated to have positive effects on "mental clarity," which may lead to better homework performance and thus a higher GPA. However, music that is preferred and/or noisy will act as a distraction to students, ultimately hindering their academic success and lowering their GPA. No study has been conducted yet to give a clear-cut answer, but generally speaking, music played while doing homework has minimal to no effect on GPA.

    Source:

    How Music Affects Concentration

    Comments

    • I call BS - every instructor knows better.

      Shania

      by Shania on March 18th, 2010

    • Im a teacher I think a little music during study helps actually. Then again, I teach singing & music!

      Earlofthercs

      by Earlofthercs on March 19th, 2010

    • Sometimes, my teacher plays soft music during work time! It actually helps.

      LittleWhiteSock

      by LittleWhiteSock on March 21st, 2010

    • @Earlofthercs music teacher, no fair!

      @goodygoody2shoez what grade?

      Shania

      by Shania on March 24th, 2010

    • 8, why.

      LittleWhiteSock

      by LittleWhiteSock on March 27th, 2010

    • just because it has been proven that some people do better when listening to classical it is also proven that it distracts and drives people crazy.

      hufca55

      by hufca55 on February 7th, 2012

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