Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Dear Science Buddies Expert,

I would really love to interview you for my science project.
I need your help with my science project that is due Tuesday, 1/10/12. It is to see what kind of music you get more errors on, no music, music with lyrics or music without lyrics. I have ten subjects and they each have 3 minutes for each of their three trials. The first trial they listen to no music. The second trial they listen to music without lyrics. The last trial they listen to music with lyrics. Please make any suggestions that I can change for if I ever did this project again or what would help me with my result better.

-What are some opinions that you have about my project?
-Can you tell me anything about my project that might help me to better understand my topic?
-Do you think I should change anything with my project?
-Why do you think that?
-What sound environment would you choose?
-Why would you choose that?

Thank you so much for giving your time to this!

Thank you!

Hi,

I would be happy to help you with some of your questions.

To try to figure out why some people were distracted and some weren't, it would be worth your time to ask them about their normal typing habits. For example, maybe the group that is not distracted by music normally uses the computer while music is on or maybe they are just less easily distracted than other people. If you can get in contact with your test subjects again, they will probably be able to answer your question about lyrics and word jumbling, too.

The effect of music on the brain can be researched on various websites or in books at the library. Here are a few links that might be useful to you:

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/effects- ... brain.html

http://psychology.wichita.edu/surl/usab ... /music.htm

Thank you so much for giving me those sites! They really helped, but I have to have an interview.
Is there anyway you could answer those question?

Thanks!

Hi again. It sounds like you're looking for someone who specializes in neuroscience. I don't, so I don't feel qualified to answer your questions. I'm sorry. I'm sure there is another expert here who could help you out. Good luck on your project!