Ken, I’d like to mention this resurfacing of the “Mozart Effect” in my podcast since you and I talked about this some years ago:
http://www.thepsychfiles.com/2008/06/episode-59-the-mozart-effect-is-there-anything-to-it/ <http://www.thepsychfiles.com/2008/06/episode-59-the-mozart-effect-is-there-anything-to-it/> The title and subtitle that summarizes the new research state: “Listening to Mozart can give your brain a boost, according to a new study. People who heard the classical composer's music showed an increase in brain wave activity linked to memory, understanding and problem-solving, researchers found." The key finding from the abstract of the study states, “After listening to Mozart, an increase of alpha band and median frequency index of background alpha rhythm activity (a pattern of brain wave activity linked to memory, cognition and open mind to problem solving) was observed both in Adults and in Elderly. No changes were observed in MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment). After listening to Beethoven, no changes in EEG activity were detected. This results may be representative of the fact that said Mozart’s music is able to “activate” neuronal cortical circuits related to attentive and cognitive functions.” So how do we more accurately present the findings to the public? Is the key point that “a pattern of brain wave activity” that is “linked to memory and cognition” does not equal “giving a boost to”. And another point is that all this study did was look at differences in brain wave activity in response to different types of music. They did not take any kind of measure of the subjects’ ability to remember anything. Apparently we have to play “whack a mole” with the “Mozart Effect” every few years. Looks like it’s time for another whack. Michael Michael A. Britt, Ph.D. [email protected] http://www.ThePsychFiles.com Twitter: @mbritt > On Jun 5, 2015, at 2:06 PM, Ken Steele <[email protected]> wrote: > > http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3112339/How-listening-Mozart-boost-memory-Classical-composer-s-music-linked-increase-brain-wave-activity-beats-Beethoven.html > > Exact same music and hand-waving explanation as reported in Rauscher, Shaw, & > Ky (1993). > > Ken > > -- > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Kenneth M. Steele, Ph.D. [email protected] > Professor > Department of Psychology http://www.psych.appstate.edu > Appalachian State University > Boone, NC 28608 > USA > --------------------------------------------------------------- > > > --- > You are currently subscribed to tips as: [email protected]. > To unsubscribe click here: > http://fsulist.frostburg.edu/u?id=13405.0125141592fa9ededc665c55d9958f69&n=T&l=tips&o=45262 > or send a blank email to > leave-45262-13405.0125141592fa9ededc665c55d9958...@fsulist.frostburg.edu --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [email protected]. To unsubscribe click here: http://fsulist.frostburg.edu/u?id=13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df5d5&n=T&l=tips&o=45883 or send a blank email to leave-45883-13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df...@fsulist.frostburg.edu
