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in General Factchecking by
This article claims that music can help you study.
by Newbie (440 points)
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I think that this could be a good factcheck however you could provide slightly more information rather than just stating what the article is claiming.
by Newbie (250 points)
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I think that your source is good and credible because of the sources that your source states.
by Newbie (490 points)
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This is source is really interesting, because personally music doesn't help me that much to focus, but the source highlights how certain types of music, like instrumental or ambient, can actually improve focus and memory while studying. It’s fascinating how music, when chosen carefully, can reduce anxiety, block distractions, and create a better environment for concentration. This could be a useful strategy for students looking to improve their study habits.
by Novice (680 points)
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To make your post better, I would suggest that you elaborate on what the article is talking about. Simply linking the article is not enough. It is a credible source, as it is coming from a .edu website, however, it would be even stronger if you actually explained what the article was talking about.
ago by (100 points)
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Music can make studying harder because it distracts your brain from focusing. Songs with lyrics can interfere with reading and understanding, while even instrumental music can take attention away from learning. Studies show that silence or white noise helps people remember information better. Music might improve your mood, but it doesn’t always help you study.

Sources:
https://www.apa.org/https://
www.healthline.com/
ago by Newbie (350 points)
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While I do agree with you, I think you should look into the source I provided below as it is important to acknowledge that personal taste factors into the predictability of listening to certain music/noise while studying. A list of music types and tips are listed that allow an individual to dabble in trial and error that would best align with them during the studying process. Additionally, trial and error in this context would probably help with studying in general as you are reviewing material in a multitude of ways and simply just finding the one that works the best.
source:
https://www.nu.edu/blog/can-music-help-you-study-and-focus/
ago by (100 points)
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The article provides the best way for music to help people study and provides some evidence that supports their claims, but the article never claims that everyone gets better by studying. Many people get distracted by music when they are studying and the article never claims that those people are wrong just that those who do study with music end up doing better with their studying. It could be that the music is not what is actually making people study better but rather people that can listen to music and study effectively get better results on their exams. What I mean is that it is possible that people with a mind that has the ability to drown out the music and distractions have greater knowledge on their subjects.

31 Answers

2 like 0 dislike
by Novice (500 points)
The University of Maryland states that music helps you study. The claim in the title matches the content and data within the article page. The author of the article is Theresa Schemppis, a writer and editor at University of Maryland Global Campus. She cites information from a study done by the American Association of Retired Persons and a study done by the National Institute of health, which are both credible sources that back up the claims in the article. There are other sites such as Florida National University and Healthline that have posted similar claims. The writing in the article is science-based and I don't notice bias. This was posted on September 16, 2024 which tells readers the information is recent and relevant today.

https://www.umgc.edu/blog/how-music-can-help-you-study
by Newbie (240 points)
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I like how you include a background of the author, it is important to know who wrote the paper and why they might be writing it. I think that including an additional source would make your argument that much stronger.
by Newbie (420 points)
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I appreciate that you took the time to prove that is a trusted source and that they study information relevant to the cause. I also like how you include publications where there are more articles on the topic.
by Newbie (400 points)
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You did a great job verifying the credibility of the sources, like the AARP and NIH studies, to back up the claim. Mentioning additional support from Florida National University and Healthline strengthens your analysis, and bringing up the article's recent publication date emphasizes its relevance.
2 like 0 dislike
by Newbie (430 points)

This is true, music can help you study. The linked article is a study from the University of Maryland and is a reputable source. Their claim can also be backed up by several other sources. National University states, "if you're struggling to concentrate as you do your homework, a Stanford study has found that music helps you focus." This article continues to go in depth about why this works including stating that listening to music while studying activates both sides of your brain and can make it more susceptible to retaining information. Another article states that, "If you're like many students suffering from anxiety and stress, try listening to rap music while studying. A study done by Cambridge University showed that hip hop music provides and uplifting effect on it's listeners that can help them accept, manage, and deal better with mental health issues." This comes from Florida National University and goes on to talk about many more ways music is helpful to studying. 

https://www.fnu.edu/benefits-studying-music/

 https://www.nu.edu/blog/can-music-help-you-study-and-focus/

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by Novice (880 points)
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This is a great fact check, starting with a short answer and getting straight to a reputable source, and including paraphrased quotes. An improvement could be more time spent discussing the evidence, I feel like this would help the reader understand the evidence better. The sentence in the middle of your quotes is good, but I feel like it could be spread into a few sentences.
0 like 0 dislike
by Newbie (360 points)

The claim that music helps you study is partially true. Music can help with concentration and reduce anxiety, but the effectiveness of music for studying depends on individual preferences and the type of music chosen. Generally, instrumental or music without lyrics improves focus, while other genres may be distracting for some. So it really just depends on one's studying techniques and one's own preferences.

by Novice (750 points)
0 0
This is a solid fact check describing the potential benefits and how it varies on different individuals. I would try to find a good source supporting your claims to strengthen the work, such as a study.
0 like 1 dislike
by Newbie (480 points)
The claim that music can help you study is false. According to a study done by Texas A&M, they believe that music is actually in fact a detriment instead of a helper. Music can distract you, especially songs with words. They suggest that if you do decide to listen to music you should listen to music that is instrumental in nature or in another language you don't understand that way it can't distract you. In addition Anderson states, "It's going to be easier to recall that information if you also have music on in the background when you take the exam...". Given that most classes won't allow for you to listen to music during a test, this strategy should be null and void in the eyes of most students.

https://liberalarts.tamu.edu/blog/2021/03/10/does-listening-to-music-really-help-you-study/
by Newbie (460 points)
0 0
While I think the source you provided does a good job of supporting your argument, I believe that this answer could be more opinionated than factual. There is no real evidence or studies that prove it to be false.
by Novice (820 points)
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I think this is a great analysis of the topic and I like that you include the quote. However, it is slightly opinionated and could be better supported with more evidence.
ago by Newbie (350 points)
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I think the article you cited does a great job at validating your point however, the article also concedes that individuals differ therefore types of non-lyrical music may contribute to studying. Additionally, other articles like the one attached state that the lack of clarification over the type of music may contribute to the hinderance of listening to music whilst studying as "researchers of a 2023 study published in the Journal of Cognition found that music with lyrics 'hindered verbal memory, visual memory, and reading comprehension" while instrumental music "did not credibly hinder or improve performance'" meaning that the music simply puts one in a state that is great for studying.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2024/12/19/should-i-listen-to-music-while-studying/76931192007/
1 like 0 dislike
by Newbie (440 points)
This is true! The idea that music can help with studying is supported by research, but its effectiveness depends on several factors, including the type of music, the task being performed, and individual preferences. istening to music, especially calming or instrumental tracks, can improve mood and reduce stress, which may help you focus better. Research indicates that low-volume instrumental music can improve concentration for some tasks but may hinder performance in others.
by Newbie (350 points)
0 0
Personally, I also believe that music can help me concentrate better when studying.
Which sources or research are you referring to?
It would be great if you could provide a link to the source that supports the idea.
by Newbie (380 points)
0 0
Music can definitely help you focus, but it depends on the kind of music and what you’re doing. Calm or instrumental music can make a big difference by reducing stress and helping you concentrate. It can also be distracting if the task requires too much brainpower, do you have a go to playlist for studying?
1 like 0 dislike
by Novice (820 points)
I think this is a great article to draw information from and is a reputable source, as it's from the University of Maryland. I think it's important to keep in mind that whether or not music can be helpful for studying ultimately comes down to how the student functions. Some individuals aren't able to focus and work efficiently by sitting still in silence. They might need some background noise to keep their mind focused solely on the topic at hand. Overall, it's vital to make sure you're retaining the information in the best way possible and should create an environment that helps you reach that goal in the most efficiently. Music might be a great way to keep people engaged, however, it shouldn't overtake the task needed to be completely.
Can't be true or false (Opinion, poem, etc.)
by Newbie (380 points)
0 0
I definitely agree with you on this. Not everyone can focus in silence, some people really need that little bit of background noise to keep their brain from wandering. Music can help with that, as long as it’s not too distracting.
0 like 0 dislike
by Newbie (380 points)

Music can help you study, but it depends on what you listen to and what you’re doing. The article you've provided does give a good point. Chill beats or instrumental stuff can keep you calm and focused, especially if you're working on something boring. But if you pick music with words, it might mess you up if you’re trying to read or write. Everyone's different though, some people do better in silence. It's all about finding what works for you. Studies back this up, showing music can lift your mood and keep you going, but it’s not like a magic fix​. 

Source: https://www.verywellmind.com/surprising-psychological-benefits-of-music-4126866

Can't be true or false (Opinion, poem, etc.)
0 like 0 dislike
by Novice (960 points)

The University of Maryland claims that musics aids academic performance. After doing some research The University of Maryland, I have found it to be credible. I also cross checked the articles' claim, music can help with studies, with other sources. In an article from Harvard Health, a known reputable source, it is stated that "because music can activate almost all brain regions and networks, it can help to keep a myriad of brain pathways and networks strong, including those networks that are involved in well-being, learning, cognitive function, quality of life, and happiness." Overall, I would say that this article and its claim are credible and factual. 

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-is-music-good-for-the-brain-2020100721062#:~:text=The%20answer%20is%2C%20because%20music,quality%20of%20life%2C%20and%20happiness.

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1 like 0 dislike
ago by Newbie (340 points)

Music does have many indirect benefits that are helpful when studying. There are multiple studies that show classical music specifically can help your brain interpret and absorb new information more easily as well as improve memory. I found a few studies through a Healthline article on the subject. Healthline is generally a reliable site, as they cite all their sources, and this article says it was medically reviewed by a clinical psychologist. Healthline describes how “researchers found evidence to suggest that music can engage your brain in such a way that it trains it to pay better attention to events and make predictions about what might happen.” Additionally, music has been proven to reduce stress and improve your mood, which in turn improves learning outcomes. A study by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences explains how music activates the same reward centers in our brains as other things we enjoy, making us more motivated to study.  

While research does show that music has positive effects on the brain that could lead to better studying, this can also be based on opinion. Some people may find music distracting and prefer to study without it so it can really depend on the person. The type of music can also impact its effectiveness. Some people find music with lyrics to be too distracting while others may not be affected by this. So, there is scientific evidence that listening to music will help with cognitive processes, but in the end, it can come down to individual preferences.  

https://www.healthline.com/health/does-music-help-you-study#benefits-of-music-for-studying

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4197792/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3734071/

https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1809855116

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0 like 0 dislike
ago by Newbie (300 points)

Studies, like the study from the University of Maryland and Florida National University both support the claim that listening to music helps you study. These studies point to how music shows results in reducing stress level and calming people down. The Maryland study does talk about the importance of what music you chose and how loud it is. They argue that instrumental music or music you're more familiar with is the better option for studying as you are less likely to get caught up in the lyrics.

https://www.umgc.edu/blog/how-music-can-help-you-study

https://www.fnu.edu/benefits-studying-music/

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