Browsing by Author "Maukonen, Laura"

The aim of the study is to by a systematic literature review investigate the effect of listening to music in order to reduce math test anxiety. The research questions are: 1. Are there any differences in music styles when trying to affect math anxiety? 2. Does background music lower anxiety in a mathematic test situation? The method of this study is a systematic literature review. The material consists of seven internationally peer-reviewed articles and dissertations. The material was collected from electronic information sources. Principles of thematic analyzing were used in the analysis. According to this study calming classical music was found to lower math anxiety in mathematic test situations, especially among persons who were measured with severe math anxiety. The Mozart effect stands up in the study, but according to this study even other slow paced classical music effects the anxiety and lowers it. However, fast paced, unpredictable music has been found out to either keeping up the anxiety or even increasing it. Low paced classical music seems to have elements, which effect math anxiety by lowering it. However, more studies would be needed on how peoples' own musical preferences or musical history effect lowering the math anxiety. Could one achieve anxiety lowering effects for example in the classroom during a math exam? In this study the subjects of study were 20-30 years old. More studies would be needed on how background music effects the math anxiety in children. Could the background music have an effect on lowering math anxiety in elementary school students during a math exam?