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Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
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A developmental study of latent absolute pitch memory.
Kelly Jakubowski1, Daniel Müllensiefen1, Lauren Stewart1,2
1a Department of Psychology , Goldsmiths, University of London , London , UK.
Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology (2006)
|March 16, 2016
Summary
Latent absolute pitch (AP) memory, the ability to recall music's pitch level, is common in children from age 4. This stable skill shows no improvement or decline with age, unaffected by training, gender, or familiarity.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Music Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Latent absolute pitch (AP) memory, recalling familiar music's pitch, is widespread in adults.
- Overt AP memory, labeling pitches without reference, is rare.
- The developmental trajectory and influencing factors of latent AP memory are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental profile of latent AP memory in children.
- To explore individual differences, including age, musical training, gender, and stimulus familiarity, related to latent AP memory.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments were conducted with 288 children aged 4 to 12 years.
- Participants performed tasks assessing their ability to recognize the absolute pitch level of familiar melodies.
- Performance was analyzed for age-related trends and effects of musical training, gender, and familiarity.
Main Results:
- Children aged 4 to 12 years demonstrated latent AP memory performance significantly above chance.
- No significant age-related improvements or declines in latent AP memory were observed.
- Musical training, gender, and stimulus familiarity did not significantly affect latent AP task performance.
Conclusions:
- Latent AP memory appears to be a stable ability present from at least age 4.
- This ability is established early in development and persists into adulthood.
- Factors like age, training, gender, and familiarity do not seem to influence latent AP memory in children.
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