Musical Preferences Are Linked To Our Cognitive Styles
A recent study conducted by The University of Cambridge asserts that an individuals music taste is connected to their personality and their thinking patterns. During the study, it was determined that those who scored high on an empathetic scale (Type E) preferred “Mellow” music including R&B/Soul etc, whereas Type S, who were “bias towards systemizing” preferred “intense” music a.k.a punk, metal, hard rock.
The Human Brain Has An Area Dedicated To Music
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute Of Technology discovered a specific set of nerve cells that seem to be the brain’s “music box”. While there is a need for further research into the discovery, the study concludes that there is a specific area stimulate by the sound of music, separate to that dedicated to speech. Ultimately, it suggests that music may very well play a vital part in the evolution of the human nervous system.
Music Can Assist In Recovery After Surgery
According to a review published by Brunel University, a study of over seven thousand patients found that the sound of music can impact the outcome of a patient’s surgery. Lead author of the study, Catherine Meads, even went as far to say that “patients should be allowed to choose the type of music they would like to hear (before, during and after surgery) to maximise the benefit to their well-being”. Lowering anxiety and reducing pain were just two of the factors discussed in the review.
Music Can Also Assist Surgeons To Perform Better During Surgery
Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Andrew Zhang, has researched the positive impact of music playing in the operating theatre during plastic surgery procedures. While working with chief resident Shelby Lies, Zhang’s study found that resident surgeons closed up incisions more effectively and 8-10% faster when listening to there preferred style of music in the operating room.
Music Can Alter Food Taste
An Oxford University study found that listening to certain types of music while eating can improve the taste of both food and drink by “tricking the mind”. Sour tastes are emphasised by high pitches, while richer sounds emphasise sweet tastes. Furthermore, Italian food was improved by classical and spicy cuisine was best served with a side of pop music.
Music Affects Pupil Size
The University of Vienna and the University of Innsbuck reported that emotional reponses to music are reflected in pupil dilation. The study, conducted using a laser pupil tracking device, saw sixty participants listening to a variety of piano melodies. The emotional content of the music and the listener’s personal attachment were found to be defining factors in affecting the size of the pupils. Larger pupil dilation was linked to a higher level of appreciation and attachment to music and melodies.
Singing Is Good For Your Memory
A study published in the Journal Of Alzheimer’s Disease stated that elderly individuals suffering from mild to moderate dementia experienced significant improvements in their working memory after completing a ten week music-coaching program. Conducted by the University of Helsinki, the study involved the patients listening to or singing familiar songs.
Learning Music In School Has A Positive Effect On Adolescent Brains
North Western University study revealed “music training initiated as late as adolescence can enhance neural processing of sound and confer benefits for language skills”. Put simply, learning music in school significantly enhances neural development – quick, go and tell your mum you were right!
Music Can Decrease Anxiety Related To Maths Tests
James Cook University discovered evidence that suggests that certain types of music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure and stress. The study showed “sedative music can reduce the heart rate and blood pressure of people with anxiety about testing”. As expected – classical music worked a charm, however, listening to up-tempo music showed no change.
Shared Music Is As Important As Shared Reading In Early Childhood
Our very own University of Queensland shared a research project that suggests that sharing music with young children is a crucial part of their overall development. Social, emotional and cognitive testing of a group of children showed that they experienced stronger vocabulary and numeracy skills, better social skills and an improved ability to regulate their attention and emotions.
