Document Type
Research Paper
Date of Completion
Summer 8-18-2025
Department
Behavioral Sciences
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Jim Miller
Abstract
Students frequently listen to music during cognitively demanding tasks such as reading, writing, and studying. Research has shown that music can offer therapeutic benefits. For example, Wang et al. (2025) demonstrated the effectiveness of music-centered therapy in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Similarly, Arnaud et al. (2013) found that music has a measurable impact on students’ cognitive performance during study sessions. This pilot study explores how different music genres influence memory retention and cognitive function among college students. Using a survey method, participants (n=16) listened to an assigned genre of music (classical, rock, or Lo-Fi), or a control group of no music, while reading a short essay. They then completed a quiz over the reading designed to assess comprehension and recall. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze differences in test scores across the four groups. The results revealed a statistically significant difference in quiz scores among the four groups, F(3, 12)=4.06, p=.038, suggesting that music genre influenced memory retention and cognitive performance, though further research with a larger sample is needed before generalizations can be made.
Copyright held by
author
Recommended Citation
Clegg, J. A. (2025). The Effect of Music on Cognitive Function in Academic Performance Among College Students.. Retrieved from https://scholarworks.harding.edu/mcnair-research/34
