Music While You Work: The Effects of Background Music on Test Performance amongst Extroverts and Introverts.

Abstract

The effect of background music amongst Extroverts and Introverts on test performance was explored via two short comprehension and problem solving tests. The participants consisted 25 Extroverts and 25 Introverts (of both genders) and completed both tests; one in silence and the other in the presence of music.  The results from the factorial ANOVA supported the hypothesis as put forward by the researcher in that Extroverts performed significantly better during the completion of the test in presence of music, but poorer in silence, compared to the Introverts who performed better in silence than in the presence of music. This research is performed to examine claims and theories from past research. It is hoped that the result from this study are taken on board and employed in an educational setting.