On 20 Sep 2006 at 11:11, Christopher D. Green wrote: > Let the reflexive hole-poking being!! > http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2006/09/20/music-brain.html
>From the news report: "Previous studies compared the impact of music classes and drama classes in older children and found kids who learned an instrument had better improvements in IQ scores." This refers to a study by Schellenberg (2004) which boldly proclaimed (in its title), "Music lessons enhance IQ" (Psychological Science, 15, 511- 14). We discussed this widely-publicized study on TIPS at the time. The news summary that Schellenberg found that music classes enhanced IQ over drama classes is factually incorrect. However, the journalist can be forgiven for this mistake, because you would have to read through Schellenberg's account very carefully to discover this. The paper is a model of data dredging (the art of processing data to claim effects when none exist). If you can forgive the self-promotion, you might be interested to know that both Ken Steele and I fired off criticial comments concerning this study to _Psychological Science_, which were promptly rejected. Apparently, the practice of psychological science does not include the need for critical comment or debate (their motto: "If we publish it, it must be true"). Fortunately, both submissions were accepted by Scott Lilienfeld's _Scientific Review of Mental Health Practice_, and have been slowly (very slowly) making their way into print. My comment is titled "Hath music charms to boost the average IQ?" and Ken's is "Do music lessons enhance IQ? A reanalysis of Schellenberg". (There was a two-for-one sale on question marks at the time). Schellenberg contributed a reply, and we were allow a final word or two each. I believe (hope) the issue may just have gone to press. I fear, however, that our criticisms will have little effect, and that Schellenberg's "finding" is by now unstoppable. Stephen ----------------------------------------------------------------- Stephen L. Black, Ph.D. Department of Psychology Bishop's University e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 2600 College St. Sherbrooke QC J1M 0C8 Canada Dept web page at http://www.ubishops.ca/ccc/div/soc/psy TIPS discussion list for psychology teachers at http://faculty.frostburg.edu/psyc/southerly/tips/index.htm ----------------------------------------------------------------------- --- To make changes to your subscription go to: http://acsun.frostburg.edu/cgi-bin/lyris.pl?enter=tips&text_mode=0&lang=english
