Study Says People Who Listen To Music While Studying Get Better Grades

If picking a playlist was your first step when studying, you’re more likely to have had a high GPA, according to a recent study. A survey looked at the connection between music and study habits and found those who play music were likelier to have better grades than those who study in silence.

This US based study showed music listeners were 6% more likely to have a GPA above 3.2 than those studying in silence. 84% versus 78%. Results showed that half of respondents recall regularly listening to music while studying, and 60 percent were able to study better with something playing in the background.

The survey also delved into the differences between those who enjoy listening to music while studying and those who don’t. Of the two-thirds of respondents who said they were focused in school, the majority listened to music while studying (58%). Those who listened to music while studying were also more likely to use mnemonic devices, notecards, or other creative tools to help them memorize information (52% vs. 36%). This may be why music listeners had an easier time taking tests (64% vs. 45%) and felt more prepared for class regularly (80% vs. 66%).

This trend appears to continue beyond the classroom and into the workplace. Currently, two in three people listen to music while working. Most of those respondents feel more productive at work while listening to music (89%), and many of those people say that it makes them look forward to working more (84%).

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of CSU Global, the survey found that the top genres people would recommend for a productive study session include:

• 31% classical music
• 28% R&B
• 28% country

Also, some didn’t just stop at music, the most popular sounds were:

• 30% citing nature sounds
• 26% real-life sounds
• 24% podcasts

“There are a variety of platforms students can tap into to aid their studying habits, whether it’s an instrumental music playlist on Spotify, a soothing meditation on Calm, or rain sounds on YouTube,” says Dr. Christina Agvent, program director of teaching and learning at CSU Global, in a statement. “There is something out there to fit every student’s preferences and study styles.”

While the average person spent five and a half hours studying every week, those who enjoyed music were more likely to spend upwards of seven hours a week hitting the books. It’s no surprise, then, that 58 percent of respondents agree that schools should consider allowing students to experiment with background music while studying to help improve their focus.

Source: https://bit.ly/3pBDNL6