Music elicits a parasympathetic response and activates multiple parts of the brain, decreasing heart rate and anxiety levels. Previous studies between music and heart rate showed many inconsistencies in researchers’ findings, most likely due to the lack of a clear and reported methodology. As a result of these many variables, studies have not been consistent enough to make a proper conclusion. Random beat drops in music, which often occur in electronic dance music (EDM), activate one’s stress response. Because of this, we hypothesize that electronic dance music increases the heart rate of individuals. 39 undergraduate students were randomly
selected to participate in our experiment. Students sat in silence with their eyes closed for an initial heart rate. The song was then played for three minutes and the final heart rate was recorded after the song. From the data collected, a bar graph was created depicting the initial and final heart rates of the participants. The final heart rate after listening to EDM is higher than the initial heart rate (p=0.04). With our alpha value of 0.05, the null hypothesis is rejected, showing that there is a significant change in heart rate when listening to EDM. With this in mind, public locations, such as healthcare facilities, should avoid playing EDM music to avoid high-stress levels. For future studies, more participants should be tested to ensure a larger sample size and more diversity.