Do Differences in Background Musical Tempo and Pitch Impact Cognitive Task Performance?

• In Event: 56.082 - Poster Session 12
  In Poster Session: 56.082-2 - Diverse Research, Participation, and Voices in Digital Media and Learning

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of background music upon cognitive task performance. The main question asked was: To what extent do musical tempo and pitch impact accuracy on a cognitive task? A total of 231 museum-goers (183 f, 148 m, ages 8 - 75) completed a language categorization task while listening to music that varied in tempo (fast or slow) and pitch (high or low). Task scores were significantly stronger while listening to fast than to slow music, but little difference was seen between high and low pitch. In addition, strong correlations were seen between musical conditions, daily television and video game time, and recent participation in musical activities. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Authors

• Deborah Cockerham, Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

• Zhengsi Chang, The University of Texas at Dallas

• Mike Schellen, University of North Texas

• Lin Lin, University of North Texas