The Effect of Music Tempo on Memory

Matthew Le10th Grade

Rockdale Magnet SchoolFebruary 11th, 2014

RMSST Student Showcase

This project studied the effects of varying

tempo ranges of music on teenage memory retention.

Previous studies on the effects of music on memory have found varying results. Music has been seen to have no effect and a

negative effect on memory retention.

Introduction

The hypothesis of this study was that a slower

music tempo would have a positive effect on memory retention.

Participants were sampled from the Rockdale Magnet School.

Twenty-five participants were used in this study, split into five groups of five participants. There was one control group of no music, and four groups of experimental groups of the following music tempo ranges: 60-80 BPM, 80-100 BPM, 100-120 BPM, 120-140 BPM.

Procedures

Participants were given one minute to

memorize ten groups of letter-numbers (A4, S2, F7, etc.) while music of a specific tempo range played.

After one minute, participants were asked to recall the pattern and record their recollection on a piece of notebook paper.

Their recollection was scored out of 10.

Procedures (cont.)

While there was a trend of the faster tempo ranges

having a more beneficial effect on memory, this difference was not statistically significant after an one-way ANOVA test was run.

Results

No music 60-80 80-100 100-120 120-1400

2

4

6

8

Average Score on Memory Test

BPM

Score

The results may have been different if more

trials had been run on the same people to more accurately determine if music tempo did have an effect on teenage memory retention.

However, these trends still may prove valuable to students to know which music may have the most beneficial effect on retaining memory.

Results Continued

IV Levels Mean (score

out of 10)

Standard

Deviation

Number of

Trials

Control 4 2.739 5

60-80 BPM 4 1.581 5

80-100 BPM 3.2 1.643 5

100-120 BPM 5.6 0.548 5

120-140 BPM 6 2.121 5

This study helped me progress as a researcher

and develop my techniques and skills in research.

Further research could investigate the effects of different variables within music or different aspects of the human mind affected by music.

Conclusions

I would like to thank Mrs. Amanda Baskett in

assisting me in researching this topic. I would also like to thank all those that participated in the study.

Acknowledgements

I am a flute player in the Conyers-Covington

Community Orchestra and also play in the Wind Ensemble of Rockdale High School.

I also am the first chair flute player in District Honor Band this year.

I play both the flute and the piano. I am ranked 10th in the sophomore class out of

640.

Accomplishments