The enjoyment of music and the often daunting task of revision are generally considered to juxtapose each other but it has been long debated whether listening to music improves productivity and test results.
The Mozart Effect is the frontrunner of research regarding this particular topic. This refers to the exploration of whether listening to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s music results in a short-term improvement of the ability, logic and mental skill required to solve problems and notice fine details known as ‘spatial-temporal reasoning’. This phenomenon was first introduced, in this context, by neuroscientist, Fran Rauscher of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 1993 who carried out an experiment, publishing his results in scientific journal, Nature (volume 365). Three groups of college students were given spatial reasoning tests in separate environments; in silence, with verbal relaxation instructions and accompanied by a Mozart piece. Rauscher’s study concluded that the Mozart group displayed a temporary improvement in their spatial-reasoning and performed better in their tests.
According to Rauscher’s study, Mozart in particular has the potential to improve student’s productivity, aiding and improving transferable skills required for successful revision. However, students today generally favour familiar, more upbeat music when carrying out academic tasks which may possibly produce results that differ from Rauscher’s initial study. Mahnoor, 17 noted “I enjoy listening to music I like while I revise because it gives me something to enjoy, it’s like having a break but still getting things completed at the same time”. Mahnoor continued, acknowledging the disadvantages of working alongside music she enjoys stating, “But I do think it’s a lot easier to get distracted and I get more work done in that moment but I’m not sure how productive it is in the long run when it comes to being tested on what I’ve done”.
Hopefully students today will be able to find a compromise that replicates the success of 'The Mozart Effect' in time for exam season.
By Serena Roberts Lawson, Ursuline Academy Ilford
