Is it a bad thing to have TV on while studying? I have it always on and on low volume since it feels nice and like I have some company. Would I be better off studying in silence?
Yes.
>>17310244
studying in silence is better unless you live in some weird world where you're allowed to listen to whatever you were listening to while you were studying when you then need to recall(unlikely).
>>17310244
Whatever works for you is fine. I usually play some music, and that can range from film scores to Sonic Youth.
The only time I like studying silence is if I have to read extensively (like a novel or something).
>>17310273
The jury is still out on conditional memory.
>>17310244
If you need something on in the background, play instrumental music. It engages the other side of your brain. The theory is of both sides of the brain are engaged during learning you retain the information better.
>>17310244
If you need help to focus I suggest tobacco and tea, other stuff will make you waste time.
Effienciency x regularity > volume
>>17310244
Silence let's you strictly focus on what you're studying.
I think I will try to study in silence for a week and see how it goes.