Do you find yourself listening to the same song on repeat while studying or do you study in absolute silence?
Finding out what studying methods work best for you is the key to success in college. Studies prove that listening to certain music while studying can increase a student’s study retention. A University of Wisconsin study was performed on 39 college students in which their memories were observed after listening to popular music, classical music and silence altogether.
According to that study, the results showed that students actually recall more information after listening to popular music or remaining in complete silence while studying. This is attributed to the possibility that classical music is unfamiliar to many students, which can actually distract the student altogether.
Students on LSU’s campus were asked if they agree with this study. Psychology major Maggie Hebert’s habits prove the study wrong, since she enjoys listening to classical music while studying.
“I listen to classical or instrumental music while studying,” Hebert said. “Studying in silence may become distracting, so having background music is helpful; however, if I have a song on with words, I can not focus at all. I also like how classical music calms me overall.”
This study rebutted the common perception that certain music affects study retention, when in reality, it has little to no effect on the student for whichever genre they choose to indulge in. In today’s culture, music is a freedom of expression of an individual’s character. Whether it is in an elevator for your apartment building, in the quad, in your earbuds or in a restaurant, music is part of a student’s everyday life.
Kinesiology student, Ella Boudreaux, believes pop and folk music genres help her study best. Noah Kahn and the Lumineers are her go to, when it’s time for a big exam.
“My favorite song currently while studying is probably ‘All My Love’ by Noah Kahn,” Boudreaux said. “This music helps me stay on task, and I feel overall increases my productivity when listening to music that makes me happy.”
Interior design student Claire Naquin listens to country music while she studies. She believes by doing this, it will help her retain the most information.
“I have to keep it low and the songs can not be crazy or else I simply can not focus,” Naquin said.
Technology engineering major Collin Coon’s preferred genre of music is 50’s country while studying or getting any type of work done.
“It is a vibe that keeps me focused and relaxed,” Coon said.
Many college students listen to music while studying, while some prefer absolute silence. Whether it is to make the process less painful, keep you in the zone or just to keep you from daydreaming, music can actually help study retention, regardless of what genre it is.