Does listening to music while doing homework affect the time it takes to finish?

Answer 1

While some people prefer to have background noise (such as music) going while they study, others prefer complete silence. And it also depends on the type of studying you're doing. For instance, someone studying simple math problems might be less distracted by music than someone studying advanced economics.

The key question to ask yourself is "Am I spending more time listening to the music than I am spending on my studies?" If the answer is yes, then you need to cut the music down or turn it off altogether.

The latest scientific information shows that some background noise usually does help most people "tune out" noises like traffic, construction, or people talking, and help them concentrate on what they are doing. However, this music should be slow to medium paced (not fast rock or heavy metal) and have no vocals or loud drum beats!

Music can affect you in a variety of ways. Depending on the type of music you listen to you can change your brain waves to make you achieve a higher state of awareness/concentration. Instrumentals are usually the best for studying/homework as (as long as decently light) they take you into the alpha brainwave state. You get your most heightened sense of awareness and concentration in this type of brainwave. Stay away from rough beats and lyrics as they can be distracting to your work.

Some people (I am one of them) cannot concentrate when it is too quiet around them. These people do benefit from having music playing quietly in the background while they work. Notice the emphasis on quiet - playing your favorite music loudly will just distract you from your work, and will have a negative effect on your studies. Sometimes it helps to play Classical Music or jazz - music without words - because many people key in when they hear words, and subconsciously focus to figure out what is being said.

Answer 2

The key question to ask yourself is "Am I spending more time listening to the music than I am spending on my studies?" If the answer is yes, then you need to cut the music down or turn it off altogether.

The latest scientific information shows that some background noise usually does help most people "tune out" noises like traffic, construction, or people talking, and help them concentrate on what they are doing. However, this music should be slow to medium paced (not fast rock or heavy metal) and have no vocals or loud drum beats!

Music can affect you in a variety of ways. Depending on the type of music you listen to you can change your brain waves to make you achieve a higher state of awareness/concentration. Instrumentals are usually the best for studying/homework as (as long as decently light) they take you into the alpha brainwave state. You get your most heightened sense of awareness and concentration in this type of brainwave. Stay away from rough beats and lyrics as they can be distracting to your work.

Some people (I am one of them) cannot concentrate when it is too quiet around them. These people do benefit from having music playing quietly in the background while they work. Notice the emphasis on quiet - playing your favorite music loudly will just distract you from your work, and will have a negative effect on your studies. Sometimes it helps to play classical music or jazz - music without words - because many people key in when they hear words, and subconsciously focus to figure out what is being said.

Another opinion:

that'll depend on individuals. Some people are not disturbed by the music, some are. But usually, it'll affect the quality of learning as it prevents the mind from concentrating on your work.

While some people prefer to have background noise (such as music) going while they study, others prefer complete silence. And it also depends on the type of studying you're doing. For instance, someone studying simple math problems might be less distracted by music than someone studying advanced economics.

Answer 3

Studies have shown that playing soft music during studies can actually boost concentration.

Having the soft classical music in the background helps to calm and relax your mind, so you are not stressing as much about the studies, therefore enabling you to concentrate more.

The studies found that this only works with classical or jazz music. Sometimes it may work with gentle Gospel Music, but not as often or as well as classical.

Answer 4

No, in fact, studies have shown that listening to music while doing homework will distract you from what you're really supposed to be doing. Some would say otherwise, though. Try listening to music while doing your homework for ten minutes. Then try doing your homework for ten minutes without listening to music. Study how much more you completed while either listening to music or not and use that data to determine whether or not music helps or hurts you.

Answer 5

Yes. Studies show that the only music that might help you study is soft instrumental music without heavy beats or vocals.