Face the music

Does music affect concentration?

If you use headphones, make sure that the volume is at a comfortable level.  Do not play the music too loudly - or where it will annoy others.  Be considerate as well as safe!

PLAN

Prepare three similar tests.  (Perhaps maths tests or  general IQ tests.)

How long will the tests last?

Prepare some calm music and some noisy music.

What music will you choose?

I WILL NEED

Test papers

Pencil and paper for each volunteer.

A CD player or cassette player (or some way of playing music.)

I MAY NEED

Headphones for volunteers.

FAIR TEST

How will you make sure that each test is carried out under identical circumstances?

PREDICTION

What do you think might happen?

Why do you think so?

PRACTICAL ACTIVITY

Get some volunteers.

How many volunteers?

Set them a timed test.

Set them another test to do while listening to some calm music.

Set them another test to do while listening to some noisy music.

Compare the 3 test scores of each volunteer.

COLLECT

DATA

Mark the tests.

Make sure volunteers put their names on the test papers.

ANALYSE

DATA

Compare the 3 test scores for each volunteer.

What do you notice?

What happens when you look at the total test scores of all the volunteers together?

PRESENT

FINDINGS

You could write a report on what you did.

You could include the test papers.

Is it fair to mention volunteers by name?

What is the best way to show your data?  (Bar charts?)

EVALUATE

INVESTIGATION

If you have carried out this investigation, click the icon to send in your results to Brainboxx and we may publish your work on the website.  It is best to e-mail the results of your investigation or you may need to send them by post.  Make sure you get permission from a teacher, parent or other adult before you get in touch.

COMPOSE YOUR OWN MUSIC

DRUMBEAT

MUSIC LESSONS