An analysis of the robustness and underlying mechanisms of the Mozart Effect
File, 2013-064-001-042
- Part of
- Algoma University Archives > Algoma University Theses collection > Psychology series > An analysis of the robustness and underlying mechanisms of the Mozart Effect
- Creator
- Margaret Billings
- Date
- 2001
- Physical Description
- 852.52 KB of textual records (PDF)
- General Material Designation
- Electronic record, Textual record
- Language(s)
- English
- Bibliographic Information
- Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.:, OSTMA-PSYC-Billings-Margaret-20010402
- Descriptive Notes
- Audience: Undergraduate. -- Dissertation: Thesis (B. A.) -- Algoma University, 2001. -- Submitted in partial fulfillment of course requirements for PSYC 4105. -- Contents: Literature review.
- In 1993 Rauscher, Shaw and Ky discovered that participants' spatial-temporal performance scores increased immediately following exposure to Mozart's music; however, this effect was only present for ten minutes. They propose that the underlying mechanism of this effect is cortical priming. Other researchers have suggested that the participants' preference for the condition is the reason for the effect. Several studies have been able to replicate the effect. Generally, those that have found the effect have used the same dependent variable, but have found the effect using other kinds of music. Conversely, many studies have also failed to find the Mozart effect. Generally, these studies have used different dependent variabiles, but the same musical piece. Although previous research has been controversial, an examination of the Mozart effect in musicians and non-musicians is still necessary.