Exploring the Relationship Between Expressions of Fear and Reading Comprehension Performance in Different Music Conditions

• In Event: AERA Virtual Poster Session 7
  In Poster Session: Technology, Instruction, Cognition and Learning SIG Poster Session

Abstract

There is a research gap in understanding how cognitive performance and negatively valenced emotions in one music tempo condition may predict performance and emotions in another music condition. A path analysis with a cross-lagged model was adopted to examine the relationship between emotional expressions and reading comprehension performances while listening to background music of varying speeds. Results indicated the stability of the facial expressions of fear and reading performances across music conditions, combined with the ability of fear to predict performance. Significantly, not all individuals are affected by the music to the same extent, with a baseline level of fear or stress speculated to be the critical issue. The implications for the well-being and performance of learners are discussed.

Authors

• Agnes Wong, University of Toronto

• Matthew Moreno, McGill University

• Earl Woodruff, OISE/University of Toronto