Abstract
The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between actual performance and anticipated performance of individuals on reaction time tests taken under three conditions: the absence of background sound, listening to a song of their choice, and listening to a podcast of their choice. Prior to taking the reaction time tests, individuals completed a survey that asked whether they predicted the presence of a background auditory stimulus would significantly improve or worsen their performance. Afterwards, participants were instructed to take a reaction time test using the Cortical Metrics Brain Gauge while listening to either music, a podcast, or no background sound in three different trials. This study showed that there is a significant correlation between song reaction time variability (RTV) and expectation as it was found that individuals who expect to do better with the presence of their preferred background sound actually have increased focus (decreased RTV) in the presence of music. This finding is important as it highlights the effects and value of music on focus. It has a real-world application as many individuals use music while undergoing cognitive tasks (i.e. driving, studying, etc.), depicting the importance in better understanding the effects it has on people.
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