EEG-Based Assessment of the Influence of Music-Induced Emotions on Cognitive Task Performance

Many youths show a preference for listening to music in the background while doing work. In this study, we examined the effect of the emotions, induced by different moods of background music, on the cognitive functions of an individual. Participants were asked to perform a test battery of a total of three cognitive tasks, each focussing on a different cognitive function: attention, working memory, and task-switching abilities. The set of tasks was repeated three times, each with different background music and its attendant emotions: happy, peaceful, and no music. Surveys were also conducted at regular intervals to assess emotional state and stress levels. EEG data collected was analysed by using various software, including BrainVision LSL Analyser, Matlab and JASP, to demonstrate the effect of music on attention, memory, and task-switching capabilities. We have found that, contrary to popular belief, peaceful music stimulates greater EEG variation. This leads to greater distractibility, affecting task performance. The application of our results has the potential to improve currently misinformed practises in educational pedagogy and classroom practise.