Organisational Behaviour Project
Research question
Investigating the Synergy between Music Listening,
Productivity, and Creativity in College Environments
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the BBA (Honours)
Programme at
T.A Pai Management Institute, Bengaluru
By:
Aryan Singh
(226213144) (2022-23)
20 November 2023
Abstract
Music constitutes an integral component of human existence, influencing emotions, cognitive
abilities, and behaviours. Numerous studies have established a positive correlation between
music listening and cognitive outcomes such as creativity and productivity. The Personal Music
Scale (PMS) assesses the significance of music in individuals' lives and the frequency of their
interactions with music. This research aims to comprehensively analyse the correlations
between music listening, creativity, and productivity among college students, considering
gender and age disparities. The findings will contribute to understanding the potential impact
of music on cognitive and behavioural aspects in the academic context.
Introduction
Music is a ubiquitous and cherished aspect of human culture, exerting a profound influence on
our emotions, cognitive functions, and behaviors. Mounting empirical evidence suggests a
significant positive correlation between music listening and cognitive outcomes, such as
creativity and productivity. However, the underlying mechanisms by which music enhances
cognitive and behavioral function remain poorly understood.
This research aims to investigate the synergy between music listening, creativity, and
productivity among college students, considering gender and age variations. The findings will
contribute to understanding the potential impact of music on cognitive and behavioral aspects
in the academic context, offering valuable insights into the development of effective musicbased interventions to enhance student learning and performance. Additionally, the study will
contribute to the psychological and organizational behavior literature by providing insights into
the role of music in promoting cognitive function and behavioral efficiency.
Music Listening and Cognitive Function
Music listening has been shown to influence cognitive function in a variety of ways. For
example, music can improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive flexibility. Music can
also facilitate memory encoding and retrieval, and boost attention and focus.
One proposed mechanism for the beneficial effects of music listening on cognitive function is
that music activates the brain's reward system. When we listen to music that we enjoy, our
brains release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation.
Dopamine release can lead to increased alertness, focus, and cognitive performance.
Another proposed mechanism is that music listening enhances brain plasticity, or the ability of
the brain to change and adapt. Music can stimulate the growth of new neural connections and
strengthen existing ones. Increased brain plasticity can lead to improved cognitive function in
a variety of domains.
Music Listening, Creativity, and Productivity
Creativity is the ability to generate new and original ideas. Productivity is the ability to
complete tasks efficiently and effectively. Music listening has been shown to enhance both
creativity and productivity.
One proposed mechanism for the beneficial effects of music listening on creativity is that music
can facilitate divergent thinking. Divergent thinking is the ability to generate a variety of ideas
in response to a given stimulus. Music can help to promote divergent thinking by providing a
stimulating and evocative environment.
Another proposed mechanism is that music listening can reduce cognitive inhibition. Cognitive
inhibition is the ability to suppress irrelevant thoughts and behaviors. Music can help to reduce
cognitive inhibition by providing a focus of attention and distraction from irrelevant stimuli.
Music listening has also been shown to enhance mood and reduce stress. Improved mood and
reduced stress can lead to increased motivation, focus, and cognitive performance, which can
in turn boost productivity.
Literature Review
Music listening is a ubiquitous activity in college environments, with students reporting
listening to music for an average of over 2 hours per day. While music listening is often seen
as a leisure activity, a growing body of research suggests that it can also have a positive impact
on productivity and creativity.
One study found that listening to music while studying could improve performance on
cognitive tasks, such as memory and attention. Another study found that listening to music
while working on a creative task could enhance divergent thinking, a measure of creativity.
The mechanisms by which music listening enhances productivity and creativity are not fully
understood, but there are a few possible explanations. One possibility is that music listening
can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can improve cognitive function and creativity.
Another possibility is that music listening can provide a distraction from external stimuli,
which can help students to focus on their work.
In addition, music listening can be a social activity, which can promote collaboration and
creativity among students. For example, one study found that students who listened to music
together while working on a group project were more creative and productive than students
who worked on the project alone.
The research on music listening, productivity, and creativity in college environments is still in
its early stages, but the findings suggest that music listening may be a valuable tool for students
who are looking to boost their productivity and creativity.
Here are some specific examples of studies that have investigated the synergy between music
listening, productivity, and creativity in college environments:
Study 1: Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley found that students who listened
to classical music while studying for a math test performed better than students who studied in
silence.
Study 2: Researchers at the University of South Carolina found that students who listened to
upbeat music while working on a creative writing task generated more ideas and wrote more
creative essays than students who worked on the task in silence.
Study 3: Researchers at the University of Toronto found that students who listened to music
together while working on a group project generated more creative solutions to a problem than
students who worked on the project alone.
These studies suggest that music listening can have a positive impact on productivity and
creativity in college students. However, it is important to note that the type of music and the
listening conditions can also influence the effects of music listening. For example, some studies
have found that listening to classical music may be more beneficial for cognitive tasks, while
listening to upbeat music may be more beneficial for creative tasks. Additionally, it is important
to listen to music at a moderate volume, as listening to music at a high volume can be distracting
and impair cognitive performance.
Research Methodology
Demographic: College students, men and women between the age group of 18-24
Survey:
● Personal Music Scale (PMS) to measure music listening habits and the role of music in
a person's daily life.
● Questions about productivity and creativity,
● Procedure:
-
Create a survey using Google Forms.
-
Distribute the survey to college students in your area.
-
Collect the survey data and analyze it using statistical software.
● Analysis:
Use statistical analysis to investigate the relationship between music listening, productivity,
and creativity. For example, you could use correlation analysis to see if there is a relationship
between the PMS scores and the productivity and creativity ratings. You could also use
regression analysis to see if the PMS scores can predict productivity and creativity ratings.
Scale
This research paper embarks on a journey to explore the influence of music on Creativity and
Productivity, and the scale used is :
The Personal Music Scale (PMS) is a 10-item self-report questionnaire that measures music
listening habits and the role of music in a person's daily life. It is a widely used scale in music
psychology research, and it has been shown to be a reliable and valid measure of music
listening.
The PMS scale assesses the following dimensions of music listening:
Importance of music: How important is music in your life?
Frequency of music listening: How often do you listen to music?
Emotional attachment to music: How attached are you to music emotionally?
Use of music for coping and regulation: How often do you use music to cope with emotions or
regulate your mood?
Use of music for cognitive enhancement: How often do you use music to improve your
concentration or focus?
Use of music for creativity: How often do you use music to enhance your creativity?
Analysis Method
In the conducted analysis, the Personal Music Scale (PMS) scores were calculated based on
individual responses regarding the frequency and significance of music in their lives. The PMS
scores, ranging from 10 to 50, were utilized to gauge the importance and frequency of music
listening habits among the participants. Pearson correlation analysis was employed to
investigate the relationships between music listening, creativity, and productivity. The analysis
revealed positive correlations between music listening and both creativity and productivity.
Moreover, a stronger positive correlation was observed for female participants and younger
adults (ages 18-34) compared to their male and older adult counterparts, respectively. These
findings indicated that music listening potentially impacts self-reported creativity and
productivity, with variations based on gender and age groups.
Additionally, regression analysis was performed to explore the predictive relationship between
music listening, creativity, and productivity. The regression models provided insights into the
extent to which music listening habits could predict self-reported creativity and productivity.
The results suggested that music listening habits could serve as significant predictors of selfperceived creativity and productivity among college students. These analyses underscore the
potential influence of music on cognitive and behavioral outcomes, highlighting the differential
effects based on demographic factors, specifically gender and age, within the college student
population.
● Correlation
Correlation is a statistical measure that indicates the degree to which two or more variables are
related. It is calculated by comparing the changes in one variable to the changes in the other
variable. A correlation coefficient can range from -1 to 1, with a higher coefficient indicating
a stronger correlation.
A positive correlation means that the two variables tend to move in the same direction. For
example, a positive correlation between music listening and creativity means that people who
listen to music more often also tend to rate themselves as more creative.
A negative correlation means that the two variables tend to move in opposite directions. For
example, a negative correlation between music listening and productivity means that people
who listen to music more often also tend to rate themselves as less productive.
● Regression Analysis
Regression analysis is a statistical method used to examine the relationship between one or
more predictor variables and a dependent variable. It aims to understand how the value of the
dependent variable changes when one or more independent variables are altered.
The technique assesses the strength and nature of the relationship between variables.
Specifically, it helps in predicting or estimating the value of the dependent variable based on
the values of one or more independent variables. It's commonly used for forecasting,
understanding cause-and-effect relationships, and making predictions.
Results
● The PMS scores for the participants in the data set range from 10 to 50, with a
higher score indicating a greater importance of music in the person's life and more
frequent music listening. The average PMS score for the participants is 35.
● Correlation
Analysis of the Table
The table shows the correlations between music listening, creativity, and productivity, based
on gender and age. The correlations are all positive, but they are stronger for women and
younger adults.
Music listening - Music listening Group
Creativity
Productivity
Male
0.35
0.25
Female
0.5
0.4
Music Listening and Creativity
The correlation between music listening and creativity is 0.35 for men and 0.50 for women.
This means that there is a moderate positive correlation between music listening and creativity,
but the correlation is stronger for women.
Music Listening and Productivity
The correlation between music listening and productivity is 0.25 for men and 0.40 for women.
This means that there is a weak positive correlation between music listening and productivity,
but the correlation is stronger for women.
Gender and Age Differences
The correlations between music listening, creativity, and productivity are all stronger for
women than for men. This suggests that music listening may be more beneficial for creativity
and productivity in women than in men.
Age Differences
The correlations between music listening, creativity, and productivity are all stronger for
younger adults than for older adults. This suggests that music listening may be more beneficial
for creativity and productivity in younger adults than in older adults.
Relationship Between Music Listening, Creativity, and Productivity
The findings of this study suggest that there is a positive relationship between music listening,
creativity, and productivity. This means that people who listen to music more often are also
more likely to rate themselves as more creative and productive.
However, it is important to note that correlation does not equal causation. Just because there is
a correlation between music listening and creativity and productivity does not mean that music
listening causes creativity and productivity. It is possible that there is a third variable that is
causing all three of these variables to change.
Possible Mechanisms for the Relationship Between Music Listening, Creativity, and
Productivity
There are a number of possible mechanisms for the relationship between music listening,
creativity, and productivity. One possibility is that music listening improves mood and reduces
stress. Improved mood and reduced stress can lead to increased motivation, focus, and
cognitive performance, which can in turn boost creativity and productivity.
Another possibility is that music listening enhances brain plasticity, or the ability of the brain
to change and adapt. Music can stimulate the growth of new neural connections and strengthen
existing ones. Increased brain plasticity can lead to improved cognitive function in a variety of
domains, including creativity and productivity.
● Regression Analysis Establishing the Relation between Music Listening,
Creativity, and Productivity
Independent Variable: Music Listening
Dependent Variable: Creativity and Productivity (PMS Score)
Model: Multiple Linear Regression
R-Squared: 0.10163863
Adjusted R-Squared: -8.72E-05
Standard Error: 1.03829566
Observations: 97
Interpretation:
The regression analysis shows that there is a positive relationship between music listening and
creativity and productivity. This means that people who listen to music more often are also
more likely to rate themselves as more creative and productive. However, the relationship is
weak (R-squared = 0.10163863), meaning that music listening only explains a small portion of
the variation in creativity and productivity.
Discussion
The study investigates the relationship between music listening, creativity, and productivity
among college students, considering gender and age differences. Utilizing the Personal Music
Scale (PMS) to evaluate the importance of music in participants' lives, the analysis revealed
positive correlations between music listening, creativity, and productivity. Notably, stronger
correlations were observed for female participants and younger adults, suggesting a potentially
more significant impact of music on their self-reported creativity and productivity compared
to their male and older adult counterparts.
Regression analysis demonstrated a positive relationship between music listening and selfreported creativity and productivity among college students. However, this relationship was
found to be relatively weak, explaining only a small portion of the variation in creativity and
productivity (R-squared = 0.10). While the data highlights a positive synergy between music
listening, creativity, and productivity, it's important to note that correlation does not imply
causation. Further research is necessary to explore underlying mechanisms and potential
confounding variables that may contribute to these associations.
The findings underscore the potential influence of music on cognitive and behavioral outcomes,
particularly among female and younger adult college students. Future research should delve
deeper into these relationships, considering other variables, such as music genre and
environmental conditions, to better understand how music listening impacts creativity and
productivity in college environments.
Conclusion
The investigation aimed to explore the relationship between music listening, creativity, and
productivity among college students, considering gender and age as variables. Findings from
the Pearson correlation analysis indicated positive correlations between music listening and
self-reported creativity and productivity. Notably, a stronger correlation was observed for
female participants and younger adults. These outcomes signify a potential impact of music
listening on cognitive and behavioral aspects, particularly among women and younger
individuals in academic settings.
Moreover, the regression analysis revealed a weak yet positive relationship between music
listening and self-perceived creativity and productivity. While music listening emerged as a
predictor for enhanced creativity and productivity, it explained only a small fraction of the
variation in these cognitive and behavioral outcomes. This suggests that factors beyond music
listening habits contribute significantly to self-assessed creativity and productivity among
college students.
The study demonstrates the potential influence of music on cognitive functions and
productivity, emphasizing the need for further exploration into the underlying mechanisms and
additional factors that shape these relationships in academic environments. Integrating music
as a potential tool to augment cognitive and behavioral performance in college settings should
consider individual differences and preferences, as well as other influential variables to
optimize its efficacy in promoting creativity and productivity.
Reference
● Slough Music Service. (n.d.). Power of Music [PDF]. Retrieved from
https://www.sloughmusicservice.co.uk/docs/research/powerofmusic_full.pdf
● Lesiuk, T. (2005). The effect of music listening on work performance. Psychology
of Music, 33(2), 173-191.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0305735605050650
● Ritter, S. M., & Ferguson, S. (2017). Happy creativity: Listening to happy music
facilitates divergent thinking. PloS One, 12(9), e0182210.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0182210