Shantala Shripad Herlekar

Abstract

Introduction: Music used by students during studying should help them. Objectives: To assess the effect of instrumental, background music on concentration and working memory in 1-year medical students. Materials and Methods: 60-girls and 60-boys of 1-year MBBS, were randomised into music and control groups equally. Concentration was assessed using 3 different forms of SDMT as pre-test, during music/control session and post-test using total, correct and error score. For assessing working memory, Rey-Ostherrieth-complex-figure-test was used. (significant p value Results: Music group showed significant improvement in correct (p=0.02) and total (p=0.029) scores during post-test while errors reduced (p=0.002). For ROCF, recall was better in music group compared to controls but the values were not statistically significant (p=0.223). Performance improves with repetition of a specified task; the improvement can be enhanced by associating it with background instrumental music. Conclusion: Performance is best seen at the end of music session showing that, music can increase the required arousal to an optimal level. Instrumental music does not seem to have an influence on working memory, it does not hamper it. Students can be advised to use instrumental music, preferably of raga Malkauns, in background while studying which will help them concentrate better and will not hamper their retention.   Keywords: Symbol digit modality test, Rey Ostherrieth complex figure test, Instrumental music, Raga Malkauns, MBBS students.

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Abstract

Introduction and Objectives: Students use variety of music while studying. The aim was to analyse effect of instrumental, background music on working memory in medical students of Indian and Malaysian origin. Materials and Methods: Age and gender matched 120 1st-year MBBS students (60 Indian and 60 Malaysian), were randomised into music and control groups equally. Music used was non vocal flute, raga malkauns. After 5 min of music/rest, working memory was assessed using Rey-Ostherrieth-complex-figure-test (ROCF). After another concentration task(SDMT) and a gap of 25min, recall of figure was assessed. Copy and recall figures were scored for 36 points.(significant p value Results: There was no statistical difference between copy and recall score of ROCF when compared between music and control group of both ethnicities (p=0.223). Malaysian students performed significantly better in copy and recall score compared to Indian students. Conclusion: Instrumental music does not seem to influence working memory, but it does not hamper it too. As a diverse population, Malaysian students are bestowed with efficient working memory than Indian students. Music has no differential influence on the working memory of the two ethnic groups. Students can be advised to use instrumental music, preferably of raga Malkauns, in background while studying which will not hamper their retention.      Keywords: Rey ostherrieth complex figure test, Instrumental music, Raga malkauns, Ethnic origin, Irrelevant sound effect.

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