Genre v. BPM in Time Perception

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of music on time perception by examining two factors: genre and beats per minute (BPM) of songs. The study explores whether there is a significant difference in time perception when individuals listen to classical music compared to pop music and how varying song speeds affect time perception. Participants from Conestoga High School were selected through a convenience sample during Unity Fair and were asked to estimate when 15 seconds had elapsed while listening to different songs. The results indicated that there was no significant difference in time perception between classical and pop music. However, there was a significant difference in time perception for songs with different BPMs. The study suggests that song speed plays a more substantial role in affecting time perception than genre. Further exploration of music's impact on cognitive functions and time perception in longer intervals is proposed for future research.