Exploring the impact of music on studying: A quantitative study on the perceptions of tertiary institutions students, using questionnaires

Abstract

The influence of music has been researched often and from different perspectives by researchers from different disciplines. There is however a gap in the research when looking at the perceptions of students’ own experiences with regards to the influence that music has on studying. The study aimed to explore the beliefs of students regarding the relationship between listening to music and the influence that it has on studying. The study was conducted on a sample of 40 participants using an online SurveyMonkey, an online survey platform. This platform allowed participants to provide their own closed-ended answers to the questions. The study found that students perceive music to have a positive impact on their studying experience. The researcher is, however, of the opinion that this perceived positive impact is dependent on the correct combination between the genre, tempo, and volume of the music as well as the student’s personality type and study method. Further research needs to be conducted into the role that specific South African cultures play in achieving these findings as well as determining the combinations of the influencing factors that are most beneficial for each student