The influence of music on memorizing of English words

Районная научно-практическая конференция обучающихся

«ШКОЛА-НАУКА-ВУЗ»

The influence of music on memorizing English words

Авторы: обучающиеся 9 класса

Руководитель: Ефименкова Наталья Алексеевна,

учитель английского языка, МБОУ СШ №4

высшая категория

г. Вязьма

2018 год

Annotation

How can music affect human memory? Such an interesting question, isn’t it? There are many points of view about this topic. So, in this study we tried to discover the influence of different types of music on the students’ memorizing process. As an example we decided to focus on the process of learning English words. We should also say that the great inspiration for our investigation was the practice of adding musical background in the speaking part of the USE.

In our study we used a group of methods. The first method was theoretical, which included classification of the current information concerning our topic. We observed different kinds of music from the psychological point of view. The second method was practical. So we used comparison, observation, description, interview and even the social experiment. We simulated the situation when students had to remember some English words with musical accompaniment.

Context

Introduction………………………………………………………………...……6

I. Different kinds of music…………………………………………………...…7

1. Pop ……..……………………………………………………………......…8

2. Rock ……..……………………………………………………….…..….…9

3. Classical music…………………………….…………….…………..….....10

4. Rap ……..……………………………………………………….…………12

II. Psychological features of the influence of music on memorizing...……....13

III. Research methods and their result……………………………………...…16

Conclusion……………………………………………………………….…...19

Sources of information

Supplement

Тезисы работы «The influence of music on memorizing English words»:

Introduction:

Some years ago the oral part was included in our exam at school. And we can choose the melody. I was thinking a lot about it. As a result I decided to find out how the music affects our memory and attention. Does it help us or not?

This work consists of two types of methods. The first is theoretical, which includes classification. The second method is practical, which includes comparison, observation, description, experiment, survey and interview.

My main aim is to prove the theory “Can music affect our memory?” To do this I need: 1. To investigate the impact of music on people; 2. To make a survey to test my theory.

Pop music:

The text of pop songs must be simple and familiar to everyone. For example: songs about love, life, friends and other vital cases.

Songs consist of couplet, chorus and couplet again. Scientists have proved that music influences attention and memory badly because of the monotonous rhythm.

Rock music:

However, rock has always been the rebellious expression of feelings and life style. This music increases positive and negative emotions. Rock energizes people, but it destroys internal balance. Researches prove that many songs carry unpleasant consequences.

Classical music:

Classical music gives vital power and resistance. It lowers anxiety, the probability of depression, promotes the assimilation of knowledge.

But at all times, despite the differences in styles and genres, classical music was harmonious and highly spiritual. It was born in the soul of a genius.

Rap:

Rap is a performance of a verbal recitative with rhythmic music. Rapper reads the text under the bit, which can be accompanied by e-music.

Rap songs are often known for their focus on controversial themes, such as gang violence. Often, however, musicians sing about a wide range of events and themes. They often express their political and social views, and they may discuss their own lives or even write love songs.

Psychological features of the influence of music on memorizing:

The influence of music on organism has been noticed many years ago. Now it is used in different areas.

Music can effect on mood and health. In ancient times, people were treated with music. Now it’s called music therapy, there are a lot of specialists studying the influence of frequencies and vibrations directly on the body tissues and psyche.

Mostly it influences the metabolic processes, the intellectual level, number of errors in work, the coordination of movements and memory.

Experiment:

My classmates took part in it (2 girls and 2 boys) who have approximately the same level of knowledge of English.

Results:

As a result I made the conclusion the music did not affect the memorizing of words in my experiment, but the participants noted that they were pleased to memorize the words for some songs. The main factor that influenced on the memorizing of words was the emotional mood of the participants, as I decided.

Introduction

Some years ago the oral part was included in our exam at school. And we can choose the melody. I was thinking a lot about it. As a result I decided to find out how the music affects our memory and attention. Does it help us or not?

Nowadays we can hear music everywhere. And it plays a big role in our life. Personally, I find it difficult to live without any song in my headphones or speakers. For a long time I have a question «Why do we like music too much? » Perhaps it affects our body.

Some psychologists claim that music is a good helper in education. Others say that music perfectly relives stress and fatigue, relaxes the body, and makes the mind clear. You only need to know the information about what kind of music helps in different situations. For example: pop influences our attention and memory badly, because of monotonous rhythm; rock energizes people, but it destroys our internal balance. Rap may be the cause of irritability and decrease of emotional tone; classical music gives vital power, it lowers the anxiety, the probability of depression, promotes the assimilation of knowledge.

This work consists of two types of methods. The first is theoretical, which includes classification. The second method is practical, which includes comparison, observation, description, experiment, survey and interview.

My main aim is to prove the theory “Can music affect our memory?” To do this I need: 1. To investigate the impact of music on people; 2. To make a survey to test my theory.

I think it is very interesting to learn about how we can use music in helpful direction. Therefore, I decided to take the topic «The influence of music on memorizing English words»

Different kinds of music

Music is a form of art and cultural activity. The common elements of music are pitch (with melody and harmony), rhythm (it’s associated with tempo, meter, articulation), dynamics and sonic qualities of timbre and texture. Nowadays, this kind of art plays a great role in human life.

Pop

It is the whole form of art in modern life. This genre appeared in Great Britain in the mid-50s. The basis of this music has become a simple time. This genre also hasn’t got a single value.

The text of pop songs must be simple and familiar to everyone. For example: songs about love, life, friends and other vital cases. Songs consist of couplet, chorus and couplet again. Scientists have proved that music influences attention and memory badly because of the monotonous rhythm.

Pop music began spreading in 60s. Such groups as: Beatles and ABBA were really popular in those years. But nowadays the most popular musicians are Sia, Ed Sheeran, Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry, Dua Lipa, Rihanna, Beyoncé and Hurts.

Many musicians pay their attention to commercial development. They lose their individuality and become the same. This kind of music is playing everywhere: in a coffee, in a car, in a shopping center and so on

Rock

The beginning of rock was in the middle of the past century, when Rock-n-roll became popular due to the fact that black people often used rhythm and blues style. Since then rock took the most durable position in music. But center of origin and development of the rock is the UK, where under the influence of folk songs created a group that performs music in a new format.

Rock is a common name. But there are many kinds of it because it has suffered from huge numbers of changes. However, rock has always been the rebellious expression of feelings and life style. This music increases positive and negative emotions. Rock energizes people, but it destroys internal balance. Researches prove that many songs carry unpleasant consequences.

Unprepared people won’t understand this kind of music, but it has reached incredible tops and remains one of the most unique even now. It’s often called the destroyer of stereotypes and a kind of subculture. The Beatles and Rolling Stones gave the greatest influence on it at the beginning of the development. Nowadays the most popular rock musicians are Muse, 30 seconds to Mars, Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, Three Days Grace, Arctic Monkeys and Kasabian.

Classical music

The age of classicism strongly influenced on classical music.

Classical music has been popular for many years. It also has audience in a modern society. After so many years, people listen to such classical works as French, Hungarian and Viennese operettas, XIX – early XX centuries, the waltz of Johann Strauss; F.E. Chopin; Symphonies by A. Vivaldi with a great pleasure.

To save classical music some people transform it into the modern versions. It gives a new life to great number of classical works.

Classical music gives vital power and resistance. It lowers anxiety, the probability of depression, promotes the assimilation of knowledge.

But at all times, despite the differences in styles and genres, classical music was harmonious and highly spiritual. It was born in the soul of a genius. The creators wanted to penetrate into our hearts, to share their feelings and experiences with us, to show the subtlest shades and tints of human feelings and relationships. All this can be achieved only with the greatest skill and good command of expressive musical instruments and techniques. Therefore, classical music is so difficult to perform; it is very important skill of the artist. The work should be performed exactly as the author intended, without improvisations, otherwise the music will sound differently and the listener may not hear what the author wanted to express.

Music is considered to be food for the soul. I agree with this saying in every way. People choose to listen to different genres of music and it mainly depends on certain tastes. As for me I choose music according to my mood. All genres are equally good for me. In my understanding classical music is associated with any age-old music written by prominent composers such as Mozart or Bach. Their music became eternal as it’s been used in operas, ballets and on many other occasions for decades and centuries. My parents took me to opera once or twice and I should I liked it. At first such music is not easy for perception, but gradually everything becomes clear and makes sense. Classical music can be defined in several ways. First of all the term refers to the music produced for various concerts. For centuries this music was supported by the church or government. Secondly, every ancient culture had its own classical music, be it Chinese or Indian. And the most common use of the term "classical music" flourished from the late 18th century. It was connected with three brilliant European composers: Mozart, Hayden and Beethoven. At present times people go to classical concerts to find inner peace and have a relaxing evening. For professional musicians it's also the chance to get in touch with the beauty of fine melody.

Rap

The term “rap” and “hip-hop” are used as synonyms, but the first is a style, the second refers to the subculture in general. Discos were really popular in the mid-70s in the USA, but they weren’t so cheap for everyone. So, new dance music appeared, which was available to all. It’s named “rap”. Its hometown is a poor area of New York – South Bronx. Right there Hispanics and African Americans have formed such a culture like Hip-hop (it consists of graffiti, break dance, manner of sport dressing, rap).

Rap is a performance of a verbal recitative with rhythmic music. Rapper reads the text under the bit, which can be accompanied by e-music. It’s not just an independent genre, it also can be a part of song in another genre.

Rap is a modern musical style where the singer speaks or shouts the words in time to music with a steady beat. Rap music is a style of popular music. This type of music often deals with the hardships of inner-city life. This music is popular among people of all ages and backgrounds.

Rap songs are often known for their focus on controversial themes, such as gang violence. Often, however, musicians sing about a wide range of events and themes. They often express their political and social views, and they may discuss their own lives or even write love songs. Performers have even been known to write rap songs about fictional events. Such artist as Eminem or group «House of Pain» are leaders in this style.

According to the research, rap causes a sense of aggression. Monotony can cause irritation, anger, lowering of emotional tone.

The most popular rappers today are Jay Z, Eminem, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Snoop dog, DMX, Kanye West

Psychological features of the influence of music on memorizing

The influence of music on organism has been noticed many years ago. Now it is used in different areas.

Music can effect on mood and health. In ancient times, people were treated with music. Now it’s called music therapy, there are a lot of specialists studying the influence of frequencies and vibrations directly on the body tissues and psyche. Music completely effect on person. It’s impossible to allocate a separate part of the body or emotions. Mostly it influences the metabolic processes, the intellectual level, number of errors in work, the coordination of movements and memory.

There is a fact that pop-music of 80-90s helps to memorize information. Such kind of information contained 50-60 beats per minute – the rhythm, which improves memory and sets up the brain for logical thinking.

Professor of the Californian University Peter Janat conducted an exploration where a group of students were invited to listen to some compositions. After that, the students were offered to listen to some more compositions. During the second audition, each member of the band had to answer “Whether he had already heard this composition”. The exploration showed that 70% of participants gave fake answers. It helps to conclude that music is perceived at the subconscious level and then gives rise to images deposited in memory.

Our brain perceives the information by two hemispheres at the same time. The left hemisphere is feeling the rhythm and the right is feeling tone and melody

What in ancient times they wrote about music and its impact on man (Aristotle, Avicenna, Hippocrates)

The history and tradition of musical therapy with its roots goes deep into the times, first mentioned in the culture of ancient Greece. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, actively used music therapy. The great doctor of antiquity Avicenna called the melody a "non-medicinal" way of treatment along with diet, smells and laughter. Pythagoras studied music in Egypt and made music the subject of science in Italy. Having received in-depth knowledge of the divine theory of music, Pythagoras founded the science of harmony of spheres, establishing music as an exact science. It is known that the Pythagoreans used special melodies against rage and anger. They conducted mathematics lessons with music, as they noticed that it had a beneficial effect on the intellect. Aristotle also argued that with the help of music, one can influence the formation of a person in a certain way, and that music can have a certain effect on the ethical side of the soul. In the 3rd century BC in the Parthian kingdom a special music and medical center was built. Here music was treated for melancholy and emotional experiences. In his treatise "Politics" Aristotle states: "The most important subjects of instruction are grammar for the Greeks (reading and writing), gymnastics, music and sometimes drawing ...». Unlike us for the ancient Greeks, music was, above all, an active stimulator of the activities performed under it and only then a mean of pleasant rest and idle entertainment.

Representations of foreign scholars (H. Leng, G. Shaw, Zlotan Kodai). American researchers H. Leng, G. Shaw believe that the human brain from the moment of birth is capable of perceiving music, and it is a kind of presentation, they demonstrated the benefits of music education from early childhood and even in infancy for training certain specific functions. Early musical experience, as well as musical activity (singing, moving to music, playing music, listening to music, etc.) opens access to innate mechanisms responsible for perception, understanding of music, and extends the use of these mechanisms to the formation of other higher functions of the brain.

The Hungarian teacher Zoltan Kodai in 1951 created the first school with extensive teaching of music. In his schools, academic performance has sharply increased compared to other schools - and this, despite the fact that the volume of teaching of other subjects had to be reduced in favor of music lessons. This experiment was repeated in Switzerland (1988-1991) and also revealed positive results. The results of this experiment are recorded in the work of E. V. Weber "Music makes school." The author of the book "Forming a person through music" V.Vunsh considers music as the central subject of teaching, which forms a person and allows him to gain spiritual experience.

Research methods and their results

To check my hypothesis “Does music influence on memorizing English words?” I have conducted an experiment. My classmates took part in it (2 girls and 2 boys) who have approximately the same level of knowledge of English. How the experiment goes:

The students are sitting one by one.

They receive sheets of paper which they will write on.

Later they receive special cards with 10 English words of average level. (Supplement 1)

Music is turned on.

The students have 1 minute to memorize 10 words from cards.

The cards with words are taken away, students write down words, which they manage to remember.

Paragraph from 3 till 6 are repeated four times for different genres of music: 1.Pop; 2.Rock; 3.Classic music; 4.Rap

At the end of the experiment the answer sheets are given for analysis.(Supplement 2)

This work consists of two types of methods. The first is theoretical which includes classification. The second method is practical which includes comparison, observation, description, experiment, survey and interview.

The results:

As the part of the results of the experiment I suggest you to read reviews of students who have taken part in my experiment:

Anastasia.

I liked this experiment, it didn’t cause any problems, but when I started to write all words flew out of my head. I tried to remember them to the rhythm; it was much easier when the rap song was playing. I learnt some new words and listened to a cool song.

Maria

At the beginning I was embarrassed. Music prevented to concentrate. Each time I tried to make up some “tricks” to memorize more words. It was more comfortable when the classical music was playing. It even helped to drown out the noise in the classroom.

Yuriy

I was really nervous. It was easier to remember words when the Rock was playing. The most difficult thing was to concentrate on the memorizing words.

Artem

It was difficult for me, because I didn’t like some songs. I convinced once again that I can remember the information in peace and quiet. But there was the song, which I like so it was easy to memorize some words.

If you summarize the words on the cards of the guys in each experiment, they are 40. I’ve analyzed the results of the experiment and made spreadsheet (Supplement 3) where you can notice that at the first attempt 20/40 words were written; at the second attempt 23/40 words were written – it is the best result; at the third attempt 20/40 words were written; at the fourth attempt 18/40 words were written– it is the worst result. In the diagram (Supplement 4) I’ve showed the addition of written words from the overall result.

Conclusion

My main aim was to prove the theory “Can music affect our memory?” To do this I needed: 1. To investigate the impact of music on people; 2. To make a survey to test my theory. I’ve done all these things and sum up the experiment. As a result I made the conclusion the music did not affect the memorizing of words in my experiment, but the participants noted that they were pleased to memorize the words for some songs.The main factor that influenced on the memorizing of words was the emotional mood of the participants, as I decided.

I think it was very interesting to learn about how we can use music in helpful direction, so I took the topic «The influence of music on memorizing English words». This work was really useful for me, because I improved some skills in English.

Next time I’d like to explore the influence of different kinds of visual image on people, because I'm interested in psychology and I want to consider it from many sides

Sources of information

Literature:

Ананьев Б.Г. «Опыт экспериментального изучения влияния музыки на поведение. – Вопросы науки о поведении ребёнка и взрослого», Владикавказ, 1928

Бочкарев Л.Л. «Проблема адекватности восприятия музыки». // Музыкальная психология и психотерапия 2007 №3

Бочкарев Л.Л. «Психология музыкальной деятельности» - М., 1997.

Марахасин В.С,.Цехановский В.М «Эксперименты по восприятию музыки в аспекте физиологии»// «Творческий процесс и художественное восприятие», изд. «Наука», 1987г.

Electronic resources:

( Информация о классической музыке)

(Информация о РЭП)

(Информация о поп-музыке)

(Информация о рок-музыке)

(Как музыка влияет на человека)

(Как музыка влияет на психику человека)

Supplement

(Supplement 1)

(Supplement 2)

(Supplement 3)

The results of attempts

(Supplement 4)