Rauscher et al' claim that 10 minutes of Mozart sonata leads to short-term enhanced spatial abilities.
Original study claimed that 1) Mozart vs. 2) relaxation sounds (Phillip Glass) or 3) silence lead to 8 point increase in IQ.
Spatial task is the paper-folding and cutting test (PF&C) given to the three groups.
Rauscher et al's study made the claim of transfer from passive listening to active visualization, however Schellenberg indicates that the temporal / non-temporal distinction cannot why replications failed.
Schellenberg (2005) uses the theory of changes in arousal or mood based upon various studies
Nantais & Schellenberg replicated and extended the study by giving PF&C test after:
1) 10 minutes of Mozart,
2) 10 minutes of Schubert or
3) 10 minutes of silence
They used computer presentation in order to avoid experimenter bias
Fig 28.1 shows the results where both Mozart and Schubert had "effects" that were also reflected in the listener's preference of story vs. Mozart (Fig 28.2).
Conclusions are that the elevation of mood / arousal led to the differences not spatial relations transfer.
Assumption is that the dopamine reward system (ventral tegmental) and projections to the pre-frontal cortex plays a role in this activation.
Thompson, Schllenberg & Husain tested mood of music and PF&C test finding that the Mozart sonata showed a positive effect vs. Adagio by Albinoni (sad) played on same cd by same musicians. Fig 28.3 Fig28.4.
They also discuss the long term effects of music lessons, citing a variety of studies that show:
- a positive relationships between musical matching and spatial / graphic representations (although age is an important factor here).
-Reading and phonemic awareness was associated with pitch discrimination
-positive correlation between music aptitude scores and spearman's "g" scores
-Kodaly music training and increased scores on spatial abilities as well as stroop test Blue, Green...
-Kodaly method with 6 year olds and increased math and reading abilities
-10 minute piano lessons for 6 months among 4 year olds led to better spatial abilities
-Preschoolers exposed to music training had better pre-reading and math skills
-music lessons were associated with IQ even when SES, parental education and non-musical extracurricular activities were controlled. Fig 28.5
