Does Music Improve Concentration During Study Sessions?

[robotkid786]

Is it better to study with or without music?

 

[berkeman]

That's a hard "No" from me; it's too distracting. Why would you want to be distracted from concentrating on your studying and work? If you're doing something really easy, then sure, music or talk radio can be fun. But when I need to 100% focus on something technical, I don't want any distractions.

 

[robotkid786]

That's a hard "No" from me; it's too distracting. Why would you want to be distracted from concentrating on your studying and work? If you're doing something really easy, then sure, music or talk radio can be fun. But when I need to 100% focus on something technical, I don't want any distractions.

I agree, I can't get myself to work with music. Hella distracting. It's enjoyable. But not the same enjoyable as solving a problem which can only be done when in peace

 

[Nik_2213]

IIRC, my brother could only study with music playing. I could only study without...

Perhaps relevant, I was happy for my beloved wife to play tapes / CDs in car for 'routine' driving. But, if road became 'busy' and my work-load increased, either I'd shift the stereo signal to her side, effectively muting mine, or shut it off completely.

Must also be said that when I began to hum, she learned to halt the music system and watch the road for 'Hostiles' in full 'co-pilot' mode. Also, the one time we found ourselves on a busy motorway (UK=Freeway) in a furious down-pour with severe spray, scant visibility, all lights on, 'Due Care' speed etc etc, and I began to sing, --In key !!-- she hitched her seat belt tighter, drew elbows, knees and feet close, per first stage of air-liner 'Crash Position'...

YMMV...

 

[pinball1970]

No. If you don't play or really love music then you may get away with it.
I absolutely could not do it, I still cannot work with music in the office.
We have a small radio but it's low and faces away from my door. I walked past it Friday then explained why "Toxic" by Britney Spears is a great track to the team.
It's a 60s track, should be. The groove, the chromatic on the chorus. C B7 to Bb7...
Then I tried to remember why I had left my office.

Good music is a fantastic thing AND a distraction. Bad music is an annoying distraction.
Neither good for study.

 

[BillTre]

Answer should vary among different people.
For me it varies with the particular situation.
When I was an undergrad in rowdy dorm at an almost party school (in the 1970s) I would put on loud music to drown out all the other noise. If it was music I was familiar with (less distracting) this would work well. My grades were quite good at this time.
For me its an aide in blocking out distractions.

In quieter situations, I would use less loud or no music.

 

[robotkid786]

These answers are helpful. I've been feeling guilty that I use music in my downtime to cheer myself on and then don't use music when studying. Which means a lot of my time is spent with music and a lot less is spent without music playing. But as far as study efficency goes. It's making sense this approach is working.

I've also got say. I've noticed, I only study when I feel good and ready. I never force myself to study. This further adds tot be guilt that I'm not studying but makes the study so much more enjoyable and accomplished feeling when I finally do study

 

[BillTre]

I've also got say. I've noticed, I only study when I feel good and ready. I never force myself to study. This further adds tot be guilt that I'm not studying but makes the study so much more enjoyable and accomplished feeling when I finally do study

My approach was to study on a schedule.
Once you are used to your schedule, it should be easier to study in a good mood.

 

[Math100]

Is it better to study with or without music?

It really depends on the person/individual. Everyone is different. For me, I cannot study with music, mainly because I get distracted very easily, since my blood type is O.

 

[DaveC426913]

... I get distracted very easily, since my blood type is O.

 

[PhDeezNutz]

It really depends on the person/individual. Everyone is different. For me, I cannot study with music, mainly because I get distracted very easily, since my blood type is O.

I'm assuming this is a reference to Type O Negative (the band)

in which case \m/

Unless there is some link between blood type O and attention problems that I don't know about.

For those who don't know

Well dammit, i tried embedding two different videos and they both require you to watch it on youtube

 

[Vanadium 50]

Two words:

Everybody Polka!



Study to that? You betcha!

 

[berkeman]

For me, I cannot study with music, mainly because I get distracted very easily, since my blood type is O.

The full medical term is "blood type O Noes". Just to be technical...

 

[walkeraj]

Music playing...