The Potential for Therapeutic Applications of Music on Problems Related to Memory and Attention

Abstract

The effect of music on memory and attention was explored with 16 right-handed males (age 10 to 12 years). Using a within-subjects, repeated-measures design, a verbal dichotic listening task (monosyllabic digits) was preceded by both exposure to music and exposure to quiet. Results indicated that prior exposure to the music: (a) increased memory capacity (number of digits reported) on the free-report task, and (b) reduced distractibility (intrusions from the nonattended ear) on the directed-report task. The results are interpreted within an arousal framework. It is suggested that music may increase bilateral cerebral arousal levels, possibly through the mediating role of the right hemisphere. Applications with anxious and distractible populations (i.e., attention deficit disordered) and implications for future research are discussed.

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