Brains vs. Beliefs Episode 4: The Mozart Effect

Written by: Karla Lassonde

In this episode, we discuss the misconception that listening to classical music can positively influence intelligence. The wide-spread idea that classical music makes you smarter is the result of a study that had very interesting results – students did see a meaningful, yet temporary effect after listening to music. This study became part of a larger marketing scheme that listening to music could make babies and children smarter. Listening to music is generally thought to be good and may have positive benefits on health and wellness. Like with many psychological outcomes about behavior, effects of music are complex. We should always hesitate to use one psychological study to make large claims. If music is being sold for child development, it is important to make decisions based on the idea that claims may be exaggerated and there is not one behavior that can make or break outcomes, especially for intelligence.

You can view show notes and a transcript here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/8663b806

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References and Resources

Jarry, J. (2024, March 8). Mozart’s Music Doesn’t Make Baby Geniuses. Office for Science and Society. https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/medical-critical-thinking/mozarts-music-doesnt-make-baby-geniuses

‌Rauscher, Shaw, & Ky (1993), Music and spatial task performance. Nature (London), 365(6447), 611–611. https://doi.org/10.1038/365611a0.

Less Is More: Toys and Their Impact on Children’s Cognitive and Neurological Development | JCFS. (n.d.). Www.jcfs.org. https://www.jcfs.org/blog/less-more-toys-and-their-impact-childrens-cognitive-and-neurological-development

‌SergeQuadrado. (2021, December 29). Little Mozart | Royalty-free Music. Pixabay.com. https://pixabay.com/music/modern-classical-little-mozart-13002/

‌Boston Symphony Orchestra. (2015, July 8). The Mozart Effect discussed with Ellen Winner & Samuel Mehr. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ysN0ckBk9I

‌Schmank, J., & Buchkremer, R. (2024). Navigating the Digital Public Sphere: An AI-Driven Analysis of Interaction Dynamics across Societal Domains. Societies, 14(10), 195. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14100195

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