The effects of high tempo and slow tempo music on reaction time

Our study aims to determine if slow tempo or high tempo music has an effect on one’s reaction time. Reaction time is an important skill in day to day activities such as driving, playing sports, or even in school. The objective of this study was to determine differences in reaction time scores between slow tempo music, high tempo music and no music. The purpose is to determine which is the most beneficial for improving reaction time skills. It was identified in the study that students displayed quicker reaction times when listening to low tempo music. However, it was also discovered that students demonstrated better accuracy when listening to high tempo music. We hypothesized that this may have occurred because with the second group high tempo music was done after low tempo music which means students had time to get used to the test after the low tempo trial. For future studies who have more time it would be beneficial to test music trials on separate days to avoid the chance of participants becoming familiar with the test. As well it would be beneficial for future studies to test how listening to low and high tempo music before the test can affect reaction time. This poster was presented at the Douglas College Student Research Day 2022 on April 15, 2022.Not peer reviewedStudent Research Day Poster (2022