Using Music as a Background for Reading: An Exploratory Study

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Publication Date

1-1985

Publisher

Wiley

Source Publication

Journal of Reading

Source ISSN

0022-4103

Abstract

Many models of reading suggest that comprehension processes depend on the interaction among key internal and external variables. Although the reader and the text represent the most critical of these variables, secondary factors like the reading setting can also influence the way individuals interpret text (Carey, Harste, and Smith, 1981).

The research reported here examines one aspect of the reading setting - auditory background. Inter- mediate level students were exposed to three auditory backgrounds while reading (no music, classical music, and rock music), and their subsequent comprehension performance was measured. The classical music condition produced better performance than either no music or rock music, and the no music condition generated more retention than did rock music.

Comments

Journal of Reading, Vol. 28, No. 4 (January, 1985): 353-358. Stable URL.

William A. Henk was affiliated with Pennsylvania State University - Capitol Campus at time of publication.

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