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Listening to music with lyrics while studying impairs reading comprehension and memory performance.
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SUPPORTED
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8 sources for · 0 against
Is it true that listening to music with lyrics while studying impairs reading comprehension and memory performance?
Yes. A Bayesian meta-analysis of 65 studies reports that lyrical music produces a small but reliable detrimental effect on reading performance, the largest distraction among auditory backgrounds. Several smaller studies add partial support: non-preferred music lowered comprehension scores, and questionnaire and longitudinal data associate lyrics with worse perceived cognitive performance and memory retention.
Verdict: SUPPORTED · 8 sources for, 0 against · Last checked
Evidence for · 8
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Johansson, R., Holmqvist, K., Mossberg, F., & Lindgren, M. (2011). Eye movements and reading comprehension while listening to preferred and non-preferred study music. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1177/0305735610387777
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More for · 7
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Hui, B. & Godfroid, A. (2025). Listening, Reading, or Both? Rethinking the Comprehension Benefits of Reading‐While‐Listening. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1111/lang.12721
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Is there evidence that listening to music can aid/hinder concentration or performance?. (2012). psychology.stackexchange.com. https://psychology.stackexchange.com/questions/351/is-there-evidence-that-listening-to-music-can-aid-hinder-concentration-or-perfor
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Bui, G. & Zhang, W. (2025). The Impact of Musical Lyrics and Working Memory Capacities on Second Language Reading Comprehension. eric.ed.gov. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1480239
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Frontiers | Impact of background music on reading comprehension: influence of lyrics language and study habits. (n.d.). frontiersin.org. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1363562/full
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Vasilev, M. R., Kirkby, J. A., & Angele, B. (2018). Auditory Distraction During Reading: A Bayesian Meta-Analysis of a Continuing Controversy.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691617747398
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Wang, Y., Cai, G., & Wang, T. (2026). Music listening patterns and their associations with mood regulation, emotional processing, and cognitive performance: an intensive longitudinal questionnaire study. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1950103
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How Background Music Influences Concentration and Academic Achievement in Students. (2026). doi.org. https://doi.org/10.20849/ajsss.v11i2.1560
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