The impact of background music on learners: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

This meta-analysis integrates outcomes of experimental and quasi-experimental studies to analyze the effects of background music (BM) on learning. Research articles, dissertations, and conference proceedings published in or before 2021 were examined. Seventy-one effect sizes from 47 studies were integrated using a random-effects model and subgroup analyses. Five key results were found: (a) a small and positive mean effect size (d = 0.314) in favor of the BM condition, (b) a positive and medium effect size for studies that implemented BM before the learning assessment, (c) a positive and small effect size for factual knowledge retention, (d) a positive and small effect size for classical music compared with other music genres, and (e) individuals’ age can potentially moderate the impact of BM on learning. The results suggest a revised explanation of how the BM may affect learning, refuting existing cognitive load and multimedia learning theories that discourage the use of BM during instruction.