Puzzle Connection: A Study On The Effects Of Music Tempo On Memory Judi Davidson Fort Lewis College

“Music has the charms to soothe the savage beast” William Congreve

Does Music affect Memory? Mid 20 th Century Factors that seem to affect memory Music has been found to stimulate many different parts of the brain and body Psychological study of music is based on this reason

Prior Research Alzheimer’s Mozart Effect Context-dependent memory and music as a contextual element Music tempo studies

Does tempo of classical music affect recall of words from short-term memory?

2x2 Between Subject Factorial Fast tempo Slow tempo Fast Tempo Slow tempo Fast tempo Control L T LT

Results Means Plots

Tempo Learning vs Testing Music had more effect on number of words found than number of words recalled In Learning, people tend to do better in slow tempo condition than in fast tempo condition Changing tempo had an effect However Learning with slow tempo no help unless tested with slow tempo

Conclusion 95% confidence testing in slow tempo does better than fast If not testing in same condition as learned in, recall is not as good However, more effect on performance on task than recollection of words Therefore……..

Classical Music Tempo has a effect on recall of words from short-term memory

WHY?