Question 148·Easy·Command of Evidence
A cognitive scientist investigated whether background classical music could improve students' focus while solving complex math problems. The scientist invited college volunteers to work through a timed problem set in a quiet laboratory where low-volume classical music played continuously. Immediately afterward, each student participated in a brief interview.
Based on the interview transcripts, the scientist concludes that listening to classical music can increase students’ concentration and help them finish academic tasks more quickly.
Which quotation from a student would best support the scientist’s conclusion?
For questions asking which quote best supports a researcher’s conclusion, first underline the key parts of the conclusion (for example, “increases concentration” and “helps finish tasks more quickly”). Then quickly scan each option and eliminate any that (1) do not mention an effect on performance, (2) are neutral or negative about that effect, or (3) talk only about preferences or memories. Choose the option that directly shows the claimed outcome happening under the described condition, ideally with a clear comparison to what usually happens.
Hints
Focus on the scientist’s claim
Underline the key parts of the conclusion: that classical music can increase concentration and help students finish tasks more quickly. Any good supporting quote has to connect to at least one of these ideas.
Look for a clear positive effect
Ask yourself: in which quote does the student describe a positive change in performance (focus or speed) while the music was playing, not just a feeling or opinion about the music?
Watch for comparisons or results
Check which option compares what happened during the experiment to what usually happens, or clearly reports a result related to working on the problems, rather than just talking about recognizing the song or personal preferences.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand the scientist’s conclusion
First, restate what the scientist is claiming: listening to classical music can increase students’ concentration and help them finish academic tasks more quickly. Any supporting quotation must clearly show a positive effect of the music on focus and/or speed of working.
Define what strong support looks like
A strong supporting quote will:
- Refer to the classical music in the background, and
- Describe a better outcome during the task, such as improved focus or faster completion, compared with normal performance. Quotes that only mention recognizing the music, or that say it’s distracting or unhelpful, would not support the conclusion.
Evaluate each answer choice against the conclusion
Now compare each quotation to the conclusion:
- One option just says the student recognized the piece and connects it to their grandmother; it doesn’t mention concentration or speed.
- One option says the music was distracting at first, then the student simply got used to it; there’s no sign of improved focus or faster work.
- One option says the student prefers silence and doesn’t normally listen to music when working, which goes against the idea that music helps.
- The remaining option clearly states that with the soft music in the background, the student solved the equations faster than usual, directly supporting the idea that classical music helps students complete academic tasks more quickly.
Therefore, the best supporting quotation is: “With the soft music in the background, I solved the equations faster than I usually do.”