The Effect of Background Music on the Mathematics Test Anxiety of ...

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low anxiety students or the high anxiety students. <strong>The</strong> current research supports Stanton’s
1973 study in that no difference among testing conditions was found for low anxiety
students. However, contrary to the present study, Stanton found a significant difference
in test scores for high anxiety students in the music condition. Stanton’s 1975 study is
also partially supported. For low anxiety students no significant difference was found in
any <strong>of</strong> three music interventions. However, there was a significant difference found for
high anxiety students performing to music. Students with the highest mean score listened
to music only while they entered the room.
To summarize, the use <strong>of</strong> background music during a study session prior to an
exam is effective in lowering the mathematics test anxiety <strong>of</strong> students. However, this
background music will not have an effect on achievement scores for these students.
Limitations and Future Research
Several factors could have affected results <strong>of</strong> this research. Four sections <strong>of</strong>
College Algebra served as participants. Only two <strong>of</strong> the sections were taught by the same
instructor. <strong>The</strong> different teaching styles <strong>of</strong> the three instructors could have had an effect
on the test scores and anxiety levels <strong>of</strong> the participants.
Environmental issues may have also had an effect on the results. Bushnell (1978)
suggested that exam performance is better in smaller rooms. <strong>The</strong> rooms used for the
exam in this study were larger lecture rooms. Two sections <strong>of</strong> the course were in each
room. <strong>The</strong> rooms used were not the usual rooms that the classes were held in on a daily
basis. <strong>The</strong> chairs were close together, the room was hot, and the students were tested
with unfamiliar coursemates. Each participant was tested in an unfamiliar environment.