The Effects of Music Exposure on Cognitive Abilities

Abstract

The purpose of the present research was to determine the effects of music preferences on cognitive abilities. The puipose was to examine the significant difference between those who preferred heavy metai and those who preferred classical music. It was hypothesized that students who preferred classical music will have higher scores on working memory as compared to processing speed. It was further hypothesized that heavy metal music listeners will have higher scores on processing speed compared to those who prefer classical music. Students who prefer classical music will have higher scores on working memory as compared to those who prefer heavy metal. In order to measure cognitive abilities, Working Memory Index (WMI) and Processing Speed Index (PSI) from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale- Third Edition (WAIS-IU) were administered. In order to check the music preference of the participants the Short Test of Music Preference (STOMP) was administered. The sample comprised of 40 university students, equally divided amongst the genre preference and gender. For statistical analysis of the data, t-test was applied using Minitab software. Findings suggest there is no significant difference between the scores on WMI and PSI between classical and heavy metal listeners with significance level at p<0.05 level. However, significant results were expressed in the processing speed of heavy metal and working memory of classical listeners. Higher cores of processing speed were found for heavy metal listeners while listening to heavy metal in comparison to classical music listeners. Higher scores of working memory were found for classical music listeners while listening to classical music in omparison to heavy metal listeners.