The Effects of Background Music on Learning: A Meta-Analysis

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 9
  In Poster Session: Supporting Learning Through Fundamental Cognitive Processes

Abstract

The present meta-analysis integrated outcomes of studies exploring the effects of background music (BM) compared to non-BM conditions on human learning. Thirty-seven effect sizes were integrated using robust variance estimation (RVE). The overall mean effect of listening to BM while learning was positive and moderate (d = 30). Moderate positive mean effects were also found for the use of BM to learn factual knowledge, to remember knowledge, when the BM was played during instruction, or when classical or instrumental music was incorporated into instruction. Discussions are provided based on discrepancies or compatibility of results with prior meta-analyses. Practical and theoretical implications are also discussed.

Authors

• Efren de la Mora Velasco, University of Central Florida

• Haiyan Bai, University of Central Florida

• Yuting Chen, University of Central Florida