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Music Training and Nonmusical Abilities.
E Glenn Schellenberg1,2, César F Lima1,3
1Centro de Investigação e Intervenção Social (CIS-IUL), Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), Lisbon, Portugal.
Annual Review of Psychology
|September 22, 2023
Summary
Evidence for music training improving cognitive skills is weak. Genetic and environmental factors, not just experience, influence abilities, suggesting music
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Behavioral Genetics
- Music Cognition
Background:
- Music training is widely believed to enhance cognitive and perceptual skills.
- However, correlational studies show associations, while experimental evidence for causality remains inconclusive.
- The debate persists on whether music training causes broad cognitive improvements or if pre-existing factors influence participation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the evidence for far-transfer effects of music training on nonmusical cognitive abilities.
- To investigate the relative contributions of genetic versus environmental factors (nature vs. nurture) in music training outcomes.
- To explore alternative benefits of music engagement, focusing on social-emotional aspects.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of recent scientific literature on music training and cognitive abilities.
- Analysis of correlational and experimental studies to assess causality.
- Examination of theoretical frameworks regarding transfer of learning and the role of genetic predispositions.
Main Results:
- The evidence supporting music training as a cause of significant nonmusical cognitive benefits is weak or absent.
- Researchers tend to overemphasize environmental influences (experience) while underestimating genetic factors (nature).
- The existing literature often lacks theoretical grounding and mechanistic explanations for purported transfer effects.
Conclusions:
- The purported cognitive benefits of music training are not well-supported by current evidence.
- Genetic factors play a substantial role in individual differences related to music training and its outcomes.
- Focusing on the social-emotional benefits of group music engagement, particularly for clinical populations, may be more scientifically fruitful.
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