Background Music Effects on Idea Generation and Evaluation Apprehension in Group Brainstorming: A Pilot Experimental Study with NOVA IMS Students
Year: 2026
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This thesis examines the influence of background music on the creativity of group brainstorming sessions and tests whether evaluation apprehension mediates this relationship among students at NOVA Information Management School. Utilizing a between-subjects experimental design, groups were randomly assigned to brainstorm either with instrumental background music or in silence. The key outcome measure was the number of ideas generated, and evaluation apprehension was assessed using a validated self-report scale. The findings revealed that groups exposed to background music generated significantly 118% more ideas (large effect size), thereby confirming the positive impact of music on group creativity. However, mediation analysis indicated that evaluation apprehension did not significantly mediate this effect, suggesting that the beneficial impact of background music on idea generation occurs independently of changes in evaluation apprehension, likely through mood enhancement or arousal regulation. Although the evaluation apprehension scale demonstrated acceptable reliability after refinement, the findings highlight the need to explore alternative psychological mechanisms underlying this relationship. This pilot study offers practical implications for educators and facilitators seeking to enhance creative collaboration through environmental factors and contributes to the literature on environmental psychology and social dynamics in learning contexts. Overall, the study provides evidence supporting the use of background music as a simple and effective tool to foster group creativity in academic settings.
Author: Gameiro, Tomás da Costa
Language: English
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7130292976