Studying with song: How music can help you learn

Question

The claim that music can aid learning, as presented in the Coppell Student Media article, is only partially supported by scientific research. The effectiveness of music during study sessions depends on a plethora of different factors.​ A study published in The Times found that listening to upbeat instrumental music, or "groovy" music, can enhance cognitive performance and mood. Participants who listened to such music completed tasks 7% faster without compromising accuracy and reported an improved mood. The researchers attributed these benefits to the rhythmic qualities of the music enhancing both mood and mental agility.​ However, other studies do suggest that the impact of background music on learning is influenced by individual differences and the nature of the task. If it's a mindless piece of homework, it's easier to knock it out with some music playing. But if it's an assignment that requires lots of focus and thinking, music can be a distraction. Research published in Frontiers in Psychology indicated that background music's effect on learning outcomes is moderated by the learner's working memory capacity. Specifically, individuals with higher working memory capacity showed improved comprehension when studying with background music, whereas those with lower capacity performed better without it.

Answer 1

The headline refers to a Coppell Student Media piece (Apr 22 2025) claiming that “studying with song” boosts learning, and it cites a Times report on an NYU experiment where people listening to “groovy” instrumental tracks finished a reaction-time task 7 % faster without losing accuracy. The underlying research is a 280-person randomized study published in PLOS One that played four 10-minute audio backdrops (office noise, pop hits, ‘deep-focus’ ambient, or a purpose-built “Work Flow” track). Only the rhythmic Work Flow music improved both mood and processing speed. MusicRadarPLOS

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0316047

However, the PLOS One trial tested a brief flanker task, not real study or memory work, and it did not measure long-term learning. Its authors caution that “further research is needed to confirm effects on academic performance.”

A much-cited Frontiers in Psychology experiment (Lehmann & Seufert 2017) shows why background music helps some learners and hurts others. Eighty-one college students read a science text either in silence or while two pop songs played. Comprehension scores rose with music only for students who scored high on working-memory capacity; those with lower capacity did better in silence. The authors conclude that background music is a “seductive detail” that competes with the text for cognitive resources unless the learner has spare working-memory bandwidth. Frontiers

Overall, controlled evidence suggests that certain types of instrumental, rhythmic (“groove”) music can lift mood and speed up simple cognitive processing, which may support light, routine homework. But for tasks that tax verbal working memory—reading dense material, solving math proofs, writing essays—music (especially with lyrics) often impairs comprehension or slows performance, and individual differences (working-memory span, musical preference, ADHD traits) moderate the effect.

Music can help some learners under specific conditions (instrumental, moderately fast, enjoyable tracks; low-language tasks; high-capacity listeners), but it can just as easily distract others. The blanket claim that “music helps you learn” is misleading—students should experiment to see whether the right playlist aids their particular study task or whether silence is smarter.

Comments

Your fact-check is thoughtful and well-researched, especially in how it distinguishes between the original claim and what the studies actually measured. I appreciate that you traced the Coppell headline back to the PLOS One study and correctly pointed out that it tested short-term task performance, not deep or long-term learning. Bringing in the Frontiers in Psychology study was also a strong move—it adds necessary nuance about individual working memory and task type. One suggestion: you might want to mention how the media simplified the takeaway from these studies, which could mislead students into thinking music helps universally. This would strengthen your critique of the claim’s generalization.

Answer 2

The claim that music can aid learning, as presented in the Coppell Student Media article, is only partially supported by scientific research. The effectiveness of music during study sessions depends on a plethora of different factors.​ A study published in The Times found that listening to upbeat instrumental music, or "groovy" music, can enhance cognitive performance and mood. Participants who listened to such music completed tasks 7% faster without compromising accuracy and reported an improved mood. The researchers attributed these benefits to the rhythmic qualities of the music enhancing both mood and mental agility.​ However, other studies do suggest that the impact of background music on learning is influenced by individual differences and the nature of the task. If it's a mindless piece of homework, it's easier to knock it out with some music playing. But if it's an assignment that requires lots of focus and thinking, music can be a distraction. Research published in Frontiers in Psychology indicated that background music's effect on learning outcomes is moderated by the learner's working memory capacity. Specifically, individuals with higher working memory capacity showed improved comprehension when studying with background music, whereas those with lower capacity performed better without it.

Comments

I agree with this perspective. There are a multitude of factors that contribute to whether or no music can help a person study.  For many people, no kind of music would be beneficial to their studying. Like you mentioned, it is ultimately dependent on the nature of the task. Some tasks require less critical thinking, therefore, listening to certain genre's on music can actually help.

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I appreciate this perspective. Mood is extremely important to take into account when talking about production value. Motivation branches from mood and when you mood is down or effected, this could effect your producibility. I also like how you talk about how music isn't for everybody, but people who do listen see results. Nice response!

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This is an interesting claim, because there are so many different genres of music that can effect ones psyche differently. I think it is intriguing how instrumental music improved listeners abilities to complete a task.

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I liked hearing your point of view on how music can effect someones studying performance. I agree that if an assignment requires a lot of thinking and attention, no music or music without words can be helpful and more productive for their outcome. I also agree that everyone is different and music might benefit someone or vise versa. Good Job!

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Music can help, but it really depends on the person and the task. If the work’s simple, music can boost mood and speed, but for harder stuff, it might just get in the way, especially if focus is key. I wouln't listen to music while studying or doing homework because it doesn't help me keep focus I'd prefer a quite space so that also depends on the person as well.

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I agree with your conclusion, whether or not music will be helpful to listen to is highly dependant on the task you are trying to complete

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I think your response is very clear and informative. It does a very good job at explaining the specifics of if music helps you study and makes no large sweeping statements. Explaining the key differences between what actually task you are trying to complete helped create a better understanding of the initial claim.

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I think this is a very fascinating claim, and I agree with this perspective. Music can help, but it also depends on the type of person you are, and what task you are trying to do. You did a good job, and used good credible sources.

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I like the conclusion that you ended off with. Different types of music can definitely improve ones moods or cognitive performance, but that doesn't exactly mean its the case for everyone. Everyone has different abilities and maybe for some they can focus with music and others need silence or find it harder to study with music, as it can seem distracting. I also agree with your statement of it depending on what the task is and trying to complete it.

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I agree with your perspective. Mood plays a big factor in productivity and work endurance. Some people ultimately can't listen to music to study, and others can. It ultimately depends on the person's opinion. If you are an individual who chooses to listen to music, it can help increase task performance by 7%, making you complete the work faster without compromising accuracy and increasing overall mood. If it is an easy piece of work, listening to music can help you complete the task faster. If it's an assignment that requires focus, then it can be a distraction. Overall, it depends on the person and what they feel can help them focus more.
Great claim supported by good factual evidence.

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This is a really well-written response. I agree with your idea that although music benefits some people, others do not work well with music; it all depends on the person, type of music, setting, etc. You explained your ideas well and used credible and relevant articles and studies.

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I agree with your perspective! I think it is misleading to think that one strategy will work for everyone. In terms of music and studying, it depends on the nature of the task and the amount of concentration that is being put forth. Everyone has different abilities and habits, and all must be taken into account with this type of claim. Overall, I agree with all of the points that you make!

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I like that you provided an alternate response to this fact-check. I visisted your source and it was very 50/50, it could help but it also couldn't. I think all in all in it depends on how well the person studying knowns themself, if music is going to be a distraction or not.

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I completely agree with this claim although some things that work certain people might not work for others. For me personally I have also found that instrumental music helps me get into a better focus state. Overall the claim is well supported and sources are credible.

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I like how you include how different types of music do different things! It adds a nice visual to your claim and it helps readers understand why this mighty be faulty or not.

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You did a great job of explaining how music can influence the specific task, and not just how it'll help in general. Music can be a distracting thing when someone is super focused, making it about the person and not a general statement that music will help you learn influences the statement as a whole.

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This is a thoughtful and well-balanced take! You did a great job acknowledging both sides of the research: the potential cognitive and mood benefits of music, as well as the limits based on task complexity and individual differences. It’s refreshing to see such a nuanced understanding rather than an oversimplified claim. The inclusion of specific studies, especially the one from Frontiers in Psychology, adds strong credibility. This kind of critical thinking is exactly what's needed when interpreting scientific findings.

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I completely agree with this claim. I've found that instrumental music helps me focus better, especially with routine homework. The research cited about the 7% improvement in task completion is compelling evidence. While music affects everyone differently based on working memory capacity, the overall assessment that music can help learning under the right conditions is well-supported.

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It is great that you acknowledged both aspects of research. Claims like these can be difficult to answer, as everyone is different and has certain things that benefit them. The sources provided are also credible, making this a strong response.

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I agree with your idea that music can impact different people in different ways, and that it also displayed in the source you included which I thought was both interesting and helpful to be able to get insight to both sides. I too feel like music can have a different impact on everyone, and I found that to be true in the source that I found as well (https://www.healthline.com/health/does-music-help-you-study), where they do share some research studies that have been done, but still music has different affects on people and their brains in regards to being able to consume music media while learning.

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This a great fact check that shares the several factors that play into the claim. I like how you highlight what certain types of music can improve different performances, so overall the effect varies depending on the taks and the individual. This is a great clarification emphasizing that this claim isn't true for everyone but maybe for some.

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This is a strong factcheck that gives a well-rounded take on how music can affect studying, and I like how you pointed out that it's not a simple yes or no answer. That said, I think it could be clearer which claims in the original Coppell article you're agreeing with or pushing back on. For example, does the article suggest that any music helps learning, or does it specify things like genre or context? It might also be helpful to name the specific study from The Times rather than just citing the outlet, since newspapers often summarize research, it’s better to go straight to the original source when possible. Also, your mention of working memory from Frontiers in Psychology is super useful, and I'd love to see that point expanded a bit more, maybe give an example of what kinds of tasks challenge working memory. Overall, good balance of evidence and thoughtful analysis.

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I agree with the claim that music can support learning, especially when it’s the right type of music and used in the right context. Personally, I’ve noticed that instrumental music helps me concentrate better, particularly when I’m working on repetitive or low-effort assignments. The study that found a 7% improvement in task completion is pretty convincing and shows that music can have a measurable impact. Of course, not everyone responds the same way to background music. The research that explains how working memory capacity influences whether music helps or hinders studying makes a lot of sense. Overall, I think the idea that music can aid learning is valid, as long as individual differences and the kind of work being done are taken into account.

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you did a really good job going into detail. I agree with the claim and how you deepened our understanding on how music can be beneficial to us while we do our homework.

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I agree with this claim because it reflects what I’ve experienced personally and what research shows. When doing simple tasks like organizing notes or reviewing flashcards, music, especially instrumental or chill beats, helps me stay focused and in a better mood. But if I’m writing an essay or trying to learn something new, I definitely get more distracted, especially if the music has lyrics. So I think it makes sense that the impact of music depends on the type of task and the person’s focus abilities, as shown in the article and studies.

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This was very well explained. I like how you showed both sides of the claim- that music can help you with the simpler tasks, but might be distracting for the harder ones. The part about working memory was interesting too, since it shoes how everyones brain works a little differently. Its cook that upbeat music can boost your focus, but i agree that it definitely depends on what you're doing.

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This opinion is mostly agreeable. The stance that it can help is true with certain music. It isn't helpful when the music is lyrical because it can mess with comprehensive topics. But when the music is "groovy" it can increase productiveness in simple activities by 7%.

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I thought your factcheck was very reliable and also incredibly honest. I appreciated how you highlighted how this could be true but also there are some flaws in the argument, and how it mostly depends on person/situation. I would agree that sometimes music helps me focus but other times it can be distracting and it honestly depends on the day for me. I really appreciated your use of reliable sources. While searching online for more information, I found and interesting study from Texas A&M University on if music really helps you study or not and the psychology behind it.
https://liberalarts.tamu.edu/blog/2021/03/10/does-listening-to-music-really-help-you-study/.

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You did a great job explaining it on a very easy to understand and personally relatable level! As much as I like to listen to multiple genres I agree that when listening to "instrumental music, or "groovy"" music I am definitely more focused on my work and feel more efficient. I like that you brought up the importance that it does not always work and sometimes on assignments you have to focus more on, it can be distracting.

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You did a great job including studies from 2 sources and not just one. Your answer was well put together and also vey easy to read about the research behind music and learning. But what I think you should include is the age difference with middle, high school, and college students what impacts them individually. Does it matter what grade they are in or is this a whole view of all students doesn't matter what grade they are in?

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This is a good response that was well supported. I like how you showed that while music can enhance mood, and cognitive performance, its efficiency depends on the individual and the type of homework it is. I also like how you included specific studies to back up both the potential benefits and the limitations. Your point about simple tasks versus more complex assignments talks about the facts missed in discussions about music and studying.

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I think you did a really good job explaining how the effects of music on learning aren't one-size-fits-all, and I like that you pulled in research from Frontiers in Psychology to show how working memory capacity plays a role. One thing I’m wondering about is the study from The Times that you referenced, did you check how reliable that reporting was? Sometimes popular media articles summarize research but leave out important details or overstate findings. It might have been stronger to link directly to the original study they mentioned or check if it’s peer-reviewed. Also, I think you could expand a little on how "type of task" matters, for example, reading comprehension versus repetitive tasks like math drills because that seems like a big factor that could change whether music helps or hurts. Overall though, your fact check shows really good nuance!

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I agree with what your saying, you did a great job at citing your sources and they are all very credible. I love that you put in actual stats but also continued to cite where you got the research from. This is clearly a thought out claim with lots of citable evidence to back it. The sources are trusted and the research is legit.

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I agree that listening to music has a time In place depending of the person and what kind of work they are doing. You did a great job with shedding light on how and when music can help. Overall it seems it's a matter of preference because everyone is different and everyone knows how they work best.

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This claim does a great job showing that music's impact on learning isn’t universal and depends on factors like task type and working memory capacity. One point worth expanding is how personal associations with music play a role.

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I agree that music can help with learning, especially for certain tasks. Upbeat instrumental music has been shown to improve mood and help people finish work faster without making more mistakes. For simple or repetitive homework, it can keep you focused and make studying feel less boring. Also, some people with strong working memory might even learn better with music. So while it doesn’t help everyone all the time, it can be a useful tool when used right.

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This is a well-rounded perspective. It's true that the effectiveness of music during study sessions depends on many factors, including the type of task and individual differences.

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I like how you discuss the original source as well as an additional one to further explain the claim. Though I also would have liked further explanation on what types of music are beneficial. For example, there are more factors that go into what kind of music is easier to study to. Music with lyrics for example is often more difficult to study to, than music without lyrics, whether upbeat/groovy or not.
https://sites.psu.edu/siowfa15/2015/12/04/listening-to-classical-music-vs-music-with-lyrics-vs-complete-silence-while-studying/

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I 100% agree with you it honestly is different for everybody because people have such different studying habits and patterns that it might work for you and not work for somebody else. in the article that the university of maryland  they did studies to show how it can be beneficial they said listening to ambient music can help you concentrate oppose to more intense music. They said ambient music is helpful for people who listen to both music and white noise combined.
https://www.umgc.edu/blog/how-music-can-help-you-study

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I like how you described that it depends on the work you have to do and the type of music that works. I found that it does depend on the work and person as well as the type of music you are listening to. For example, listening to music you know all the words to can pull your attention.

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I appreciate the you highlighted the conditional effects that music has on the studying process. In experience, I personally enjoy listening to music while studying, however when suggesting it to others people often disagree with me, rebutting with the fact that is distracting; which follows the conditional aspect of music's effect on studying.

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I do think it’s important to further explore the "individual differences" factor you mentioned, as working memory capacity isn’t the only variable that can influence how someone responds to background music. For example, personality traits such as whether someone is more extroverted or introverted could also play a role in how they experience music while studying. Extroverts may be more likely to find background music energizing, while introverts might find it distracting. Additionally, the genre of music itself could also be a contributing factor—upbeat instrumental music seems to help some, but what about genres like classical or nature sounds? It would be interesting to see if those have different effects, particularly for tasks that require high focus.

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I appreciate the highlighting that the claim is only partially supported by research and that you mention that different circumstances affect the effectiveness of of learning with music. Your own research about the statistics are also interesting to compare to the original claim.  You pointed out that the person's  working memory capacity is a reason why music might or might not be helpful in learning; I'm wondering if memory capacity can be expanded through learning with music?

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Music can be a powerful tool for learning, offering cognitive and emotional benefits that enhance study sessions. Research has shown that listening to upbeat instrumental music, often called "groovy" music, can improve mood and boost cognitive performance, helping learners complete tasks more efficiently. The rhythmic qualities of such music contribute to mental agility, making studying feel less monotonous and more engaging. However, individual differences play a role in how music impacts learning, as studies indicate that people with higher working memory capacity tend to benefit more from background music, while others perform better in silence. Ultimately, music can serve as a valuable aid for studying when chosen carefully, demonstrating how an enjoyable and motivating atmosphere can support academic success.

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I really liked your response I agree with your claim and think your use of a balanced take strengthened your writing. Your sources also used evidence that backs up your claim well.

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You did a great job explaining how music can influence specific tasks, making it about the person rather than just a general statement. Music can be distracting for someone who is deeply focused, which adds an important layer to the discussion about its impact. I really appreciated how you acknowledged both sides of the research: the potential cognitive and mood benefits of music, as well as the limitations based on task complexity and individual differences. This thoughtful, well-balanced approach avoids oversimplification and adds depth to your argument. The inclusion of specific studies, like the one from Frontiers in Psychology, really strengthens your point and adds credibility.

I completely agree with your claim about music affecting people differently. In my experience, instrumental music helps me focus better, especially with routine homework, and I found the research about the 7% improvement in task completion compelling. The overall assessment that music can enhance learning under the right conditions is well-supported, despite individual differences. It's clear that everyone benefits from different types of stimulation, and the sources you included help illustrate that perfectly.

The research you’ve referenced adds strong credibility to your argument, and it's great to see you incorporate a variety of perspectives. This nuanced understanding of the research shows exactly the kind of critical thinking needed when interpreting scientific findings. Music’s impact really does depend on the person and the situation, as you’ve expertly pointed out.

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I agree and I think you had a great acknowledgement to different studies and circumstances. More specfically how something like having a higher working memory capacity versus having a lower one can shape how music affects how one learns!

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The claim that music can aid learning, as presented in the Coppell Student Media article, is only partially supported by scientific research. The effectiveness of music during study sessions depends on a plethora of different factors.​ A study reported by The Times, based on research originally published in Scientific Reports, found that listening to upbeat instrumental music, or "groovy" music, can enhance cognitive performance and mood. Participants who listened to such music completed tasks 7% faster without compromising accuracy and reported an improved mood. The researchers attributed these benefits to the rhythmic qualities of the music enhancing both mood and mental agility.​ However, other studies do suggest that the impact of background music on learning is influenced by individual differences and the nature of the task. If it's a mindless piece of homework, it's easier to knock it out with some music playing. But if it's an assignment that requires lots of focus and thinking, music can be a distraction. Research published in Frontiers in Psychology indicated that background music's effect on learning outcomes is moderated by the learner's working memory capacity. Specifically, individuals with higher working memory capacity showed improved comprehension when studying with background music, whereas those with lower capacity performed better without it.

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The sources you used in this fact-check take slightly different stances on this topic, which supports your point that this claim is misleading since the research proves that the answer to the claim is more broad and applies on a case-by-case basis.

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I appreciate the depth of your research on how music affects learning, particularly your mention of individual differences in working memory. However, I'm a bit skeptical about your reliance solely on the article from The Times. While it's reputable, mainstream news sometimes oversimplifies scientific findings. It might be beneficial to cross-reference that study with peer-reviewed articles or more directly scientific sources like journals from PubMed or Psychology Today. Did you encounter any other studies that directly replicated or contradicted these findings?

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Your answer correctly points out how this claim is only partially supported by evidence. While a series of studies have found that upbeat music can lead to an increase in performance, other studies have found that sometimes background music can be distracting, potentially hurting performance.

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I also agree, I think music can really make a difference in your performance of anything! Vibrations and patterns can align the body and mind in a completely different way!

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i agree, and in hindsight, it depends on person to person and what works for them individually.

Answer 3

Looking in an article from the University of Maryland, Phyllis Medina, a program director of psychology, mentioned how it has to be the right choice of music such as instrumental or ambient could block out other distractions, improve concentration, and maintain attention during study sessions. Medina also suggested that instrumental music would be more beneficial because it prevents the one studying, from getting caught up in song lyrics which could also distract studying. Another article from the National University has Dr. Masha Godkin, who was a professor in the Department of Marriage and Family Sciences, saying that music helps activate both the left and right hemisphere at the brain at the same time. This is beneficial because when both sides of the brain are activated, it can maximize learning and memory. It is also recommended that the music has to be the right kind, not music that will put you to sleep, but also not music that is overly upbeat and encourages you to dance or move. Those things would be a distraction. Ultimately, I believe that this is a little misleading, music is so different from genre to genre, and not everyone operates or performs better with music. It has to be a certain type of music and even then, not everyone is a fan of ambient or instrumental music and may prefer studying in silence. Music without words is always the recommended method, for example in another article from Texas A&M University, ” cognitive psychologist Brian Anderson said. “So when you’re doing two things at the same time, like studying and listening to music, and one of the things requires cognitive effort, there will be a cost to how much information you can retain doing both activities.” It is essentially multitasking which not everyone is good at.

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

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

https://liberalarts.tamu.edu/blog/2021/03/10/does-listening-to-music-really-help-you-study/

Comments

I agree with your points, and it's helpful that you pointed out objective effects of listening to music, as it can aid studying and distract one from studying, depending on the individual which is important to think about in this topic, being that it cannot be the same for everyone, even if it does show improvement for others proved by Brian Anderson.

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The addition of the portions of the brain that are activated showcase the extent of the depth of the study. I appreciate this detail as it is a strong, tangible piece of supporting evidence that allows for those skeptical of the effects to find maybe have a more open mind on the topic (no pun intended).

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This response does a great job of citing credible sources and acknowledging the complexity of how music affects learning. It effectively highlights the importance of choosing the right type of music and emphasizes the role of individual preferences, which aligns well with the original claim. The insights into how different genres and tempos impact focus are thoughtful and practical. Overall, it's a well-researched and informative response with valuable takeaways.

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I agree that it depends on the type of music and the person listening to music. I appreciate that you used multiple sources from different universities to support your factcheck. I also like that you mentioned that if someone is listening to music with lyrics or fast paced it might make it harder to focus on the task at hand.

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I agree with your point in that not everyone I great at multitasking. This is something else to be considered because it really can vary for different people. The article you referenced is the same one I read and can see how this statement can be a bit misleading.

Answer 4

Personally, certain music allows me focus on my work more effectively then without music at all. According to an article from National University, there is research that shows the positives that music can bring to the learning environment. It says that scientifically, "music activated both the left and right brain at the same time, and the activation of both hemispheres can maximize learning and improve memory". Now, it is also proven that choosing the right music is extremely beneficial and certain music can be distracting to learning. With all that being said, it can be said and proven that listening to music in a learning environment can extremely beneficial to brain function and high-pressure situations like when taking exams or writing essays.

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

Comments

I agree, Listening to music while studying can be a valuable tool for improving concentration and cognitive function. Research suggests that music activates both hemispheres of the brain, enhancing memory retention and mental agility. However, selecting the right type of music is crucial, as certain genres—especially those with lyrics—can become distractions rather than aids. Ultimately, music's impact on learning varies by individual, but when chosen wisely, it can provide significant benefits in academic settings.

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I think it's great that you touched on the scientific data given by National University  that listening to music activates both the left and right side of our brains as well as offering your own personal experience!

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I like that you used your own personal experience to support your claim, along with evidence from National University. I agree that there is certain music that helps more than others and some types of music can be more distracting than beneficial.

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This fact-check is strong because it uses a personal account in addition to well informed sources and considers how personal learning styles can impact how one benefits from using background music to aid their studying.

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I agree mainstream sources can oversimplify scientific research. To address your skepticism, I actually cross-checked The Times article with a peer-reviewed study published in Frontiers in Psychology by Lehmann and Seufert (2017). This study confirmed the nuanced effect of music on learning, emphasizing that individual differences, particularly in working memory, significantly moderate these effects. Interestingly, their findings partly align with The Times' reporting but stress that music’s impact isn't universally positive. Your suggestion to look deeper into PubMed or Psychology Today is valuable. I'll definitely consider including more peer-reviewed literature next time for a comprehensive perspective.

Answer 5

The claim from Coppell Student Media that music can aid learning is partially supported by scientific research. While some studies suggest that listening to music—particularly upbeat instrumental or "groovy" music—can improve cognitive performance and mood, the overall effectiveness of music during studying depends on various factors. A study reported in The Times, based on research published in PLOS ONE, found that participants who listened to upbeat instrumental music completed tasks 7% faster without sacrificing accuracy and also experienced a better mood. These effects were attributed to the rhythmic qualities of the music, which seemed to enhance mental agility. However, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Research published in Frontiers in Psychology indicated that the impact of background music on learning outcomes varies depending on individual working memory capacity. People with higher working memory performed better with background music, while those with lower capacity did worse. This supports the idea that while music can be helpful for some, it can be distracting for others—especially when the task at hand requires intense focus. The Coppell Student Media article responsibly acknowledges this nuance, making the claim a fair but limited interpretation of the scientific evidence.

Sources:

• The Times article on groovy music and cognitive performance

• Frontiers in Psychology study on working memory and music

• Original article from Coppell Student Media

Comments

I think you did a really good job at showing the claim from Coppell Student Media is mostly true but needs some extra details. I like how you explained that music can help some people but can hurt others depending on their memory. Maybe it would make your fact check even better if you also talked about the type of task that matters too, like, it’s easier to listen to music when doing something simple, but harder when you need to really focus for things like reading or writing.

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In this piece, I appreciated how you highlighted the impacts of individual cognitions, and the contrast between potential benefits and drawbacks. You're emphasis about the effect and importance of music being universal to connect with our community really resonated with because I believe music does definitely incorporate the connection through humans more than we know. One suggestion that I might make would e to elaborate a bit more the type of music that show through performance. That vagueness made me curious on what type of performance you meant, and how that can branch out to explain the creative works around music in general.

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Good job explaining the mixed research on how music affects learning and bringing in multiple credible sources like The Times and Frontiers in Psychology. I like how you highlighted that music’s impact depends on factors like working memory and task type. One thing I’d suggest is reflecting a little more on the original Coppell Student Media article. It’s a student publication, which means it may simplify scientific findings. The difference in level between the original article makes the detail questionable.

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When conducting a strong fact-check, it's best to find sources not presented in the original claim. Thanks!

Answer 6

I like your clear communication with the audience that the claim is only partly backed by scientific evidence. It would be very easy to frame such a statement in a way that reads as if the claim is 100% true, but the transparency is incredibly appreciated by the average curious reader. The introduction of confounding variables that may affect the data was very clear in your response and allowed me to understand both sides of the possible debate regarding background music's effect on productivity academically. Great insight!

Comments

I appreciate you stating your opinion and complementing the poster. One thing that may be helpful is factchecking with a source not provided by the author. It is hard to trust a fact check that only reads over the sources provided by the poster.

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I think this is great feedback! I think you should add some resources or articles to help further back your thoughts in the original claim. I think you could also find claims that would be false against the original claim and you could explain why the false claims are incorrect. But overall good job understanding both sides of the debate

Answer 7

Music can help some people when studying so its not completely false, but its effectiveness depends on the individual and the task they’re working on. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that people with stronger working memory were able to perform better when they studied with background music. However, those with lower working memory tended to focus better and retain more information when they studied in silence. This shows that music might be useful for some, but for others, it could be a distraction, especially when the task requires deep concentration. Also to personal factors, the type of music matters. Upbeat or instrumental music might help improve mood and speed up work on simple tasks, but it can get in the way of more complicated assignments. When studying, music without lyrics is often recommended, as lyrics can take up cognitive resources and make it harder to focus. So, while music can sometimes enhance studying, it isn’t always the best choice for everyone, and its effects vary depending on the individual and the type of task at hand.

source

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01902/full?

Comments

I like that you pointed out that it depends on the type of person and then backed this claim up with evidence from a reputable source. Pointing out the type of studying you are doing, type of person you are, and pointing out that everyones brain works different is important because it supports the accusation that this claim can't be true nor false.

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I like how in the response you explain why music might work for some people while in other people might not find it to work. You do a good job explaining why this is the case about musics impact on people while studying.

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I think you did a great job explaining that everyone is different and retains information in their own ways. For some it it easier in silence but not for others. I like how you mentioned the type of music also as I feel instrumental music is better. You made it clear it cant be true or false.

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I agree as well that it depends on the person, cause not everything works for people like others. I have mostly seen people with their headphones on and listening to music, and others with nothing, just super focused on their work.

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This statement reflects a balanced and nuanced understanding of how music impacts studying. It acknowledges that while music has the potential to help some individuals—particularly in boosting mood or productivity for simple tasks—it also highlights the importance of personal differences and task-specific needs. The caveat about music being a distraction for those who need deep concentration is critical and is a commonly overlooked aspect of the research on this topic.

In my opinion, the key takeaway is that music's effectiveness in studying depends heavily on individual preferences and the nature of the task. For example, people who thrive in noisy environments may find background music beneficial, while others who require silence for focus may be better off without it. Ultimately, the best approach is self-awareness—understanding how your brain responds to different types of music and using that insight to tailor your study environment.

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I really like the first sentence of your answer as it shows you agree with the claim, but there seems to be data that your'e going to get into that is going to explain the factors as to why it is not completely false. I also like how you made it a point to say that everyone is going to have a different experience with studying and listening to music and it depends on the person if they are able to focus with music! The source you provided, did it give you exactly what you were looking for? Or was it hard gaining research on this? This is overall a great answer to the original claim!

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You did a great job highlighting both sides of the debate and backing it up with science from Frontiers in Psychology. I liked that you didn’t make a blanket statement and instead acknowledged how music’s effectiveness depends on the task and the person. Your explanation about how lyrics can take up cognitive space was a great detail. It made me think about how often people assume music always helps, when it really depends on what you're trying to do.

Answer 8

I have found this topic interesting for years. I took a psychology class in high school and my teacher taught us about this, then after attending classes at a university I heard the claim again and wanted to look into it. according to this article from Florida National University it is in fact true. it is said that listening to the same type of music while studying, doing homework or even taking a test on the same subject can improve upon memory in the topic. I have also heard that if you listen to different genres for different subjects it help your brain categorize the things your should be remembering. the article I read says, "Studies have shown that music produces several positive effects on a human’s body and brain. Music activates both the left and right brain at the same time, and the activation of both hemispheres can maximize learning and improve memory." It also adds the claims that listening to music while studying improves stress, reduces test anxiety and improves test performance!

Comments

I appreciate your research into this subject. I think it would be better if you linked your source. I would also say the types of music that improve your learning. I believe that this subject is more nuanced than what your factcheck suggests.　

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I like how you referenced a class you took in high school in your response. As a reader, I get the sense that you care more about the subject to do more than just surface-level fact checking. It would be nice to have a link to the article from Florida National University in your response, just so it could be accessed easier, but otherwise great job.

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Please always include a URL hyperlink for your sources. Thanks!

Answer 9

I think certain types of music can definitely help an individual study and is beneficial to their learning. The source that you listed above, The Times, conducted an experiment in which the participants were split into four groups and each group was exposed to a different type of music. This research is a reliable source for your information since these are people's person experiences and was conducted by researchers. This helps the researchers get a better understanding of how different kinds of music affect people's focus. With the information that they received, they are able to come to a conclusion. The Times is a very respected news outlet and is reported to have great quality research and limited bias. However, there are important aspects to consider when choosing what music to listen to. According to National University, classical music can help you feel productive and motivated and it doesn't have any lyrics so you have less of chance of getting distracted by the words. “Music activates both the left and right brain at the same time, and the activation of both hemispheres can maximize learning and improve memory,” says Dr. Masha Godkin..." When deciding what music to listen to, you should consider the tempo of the music, sound control, and making sure it's something you like. The National University has received awards and recognition by the WASC and WSCUC for its high quality of education. 

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

Comments

I think you did a great job in finding scientific evidence, especially with the quote from Dr.Godkin. One thing that you could have talked about to strengthen your fact check by talking about how controlled the experiment from The Times if they mentioned it at all. Also because you talked about the lyrics, maybe you could compare different genres and how that affects studying with music.

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Thank you for your comment and I agree a decent amount with what you're saying. Although for me personally I can't study with music very well. It just ends up distracting me, but I may have to try classical music.

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You're correct that the type of music is significant to listen to when you're studying, and the classical type would be a better option because it's lyricless. It's also thoughtful that the study took into account what kinds of music affect concentration. Nevertheless, music is not universal, another person can focus better in silence. Would you think that quick or song-like music will ever help with some kinds of studying?

Answer 10

The belief that music helps learning is popular, but scientific research offers a more nuanced perspective. While personal accounts and some studies suggest benefits, the effectiveness of music during study depends on several factors. A study in PLOS One found that upbeat instrumental "work flow" music improved mood and task speed by 7% without losing accuracy. This aligns with the arousal-mood theory, where upbeat music can increase positive feelings and alertness. However, the impact of music tempo isn't always positive. Research in Frontiers in Psychology highlights that individual differences, like working memory capacity plays a crucial role. Students with higher capacity showed better comprehension with background music, while those with lower capacity performed better in silence. Personality traits and learning styles also influence how music affects learning. The type of task is another important factor. Background music may help with low-demand tasks but can worsen more complex ones requiring focus. Lyrics in music generally impede verbal tasks , while instrumental music has a less clear impact. Classical, ambient, and nature sounds are often recommended for focus. 

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0316047

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5671572/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Comments

I really liked how you acknowledged individual differences, especially working memory and personality, which often get glossed over. That nuance is important. One suggestion: it might be worth pushing further into the type of music used — you mention instrumental and ambient, but there's growing research on how even within those categories, things like tempo, key, or even familiarity with the song can make a big difference. For example, some studies suggest that familiar music can actually be more distracting because of emotional associations. That could deepen your point about how “not all instrumental music is created equal.”

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I liked that you brought up and connected this to the arousal-mood theory. I think it's important that you pointed out how different learning and personality styles will be affected by music differently, as well as how music could benefit certain tasks while distract others.

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I really appreciated the stance you took on this topic of "cant be true or false (opinion)". I like how you researched an actual study that helps explain the phenomena. I think this is a subjective claim as music can work for some people and be so helpful and not for others potentially being distracting. Good job!

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This is a strong claim. It is crucial to include that everyone is different, regarding this specific topic. I like how you included specific aspects of music that impact the brain and behavior, such as tempo and different genres.

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I love the way you worded this, the sources you selected are very credible as well and provide good evidence that it is ambiguous and the type of music determines cognitive improvement. I believe you could add some more evidence that states that instrumental music is very diverse and is not necessarily always relaxing and ambient.

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Great job showing both sides and aspects to this claim. You mentioned that there is a overall belief but there is also scientific research that may show a different perspective and aspect. I, for example know that I study better while listening to music, while I know some others need complete silence. You also listed the different types of music and which type is best for each type of activity. Overall, great job and I enjoyed reading your response.