It turns out, intelligence depends on the kind of music you listen to.
Not so long ago, scientists at the Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, headed by Professor Adrian North, an expert in applied psychology, decided to check the connection between musical tastes, intellect and personality.
The lowest results in IQ were shown by those who have been interested in hip-hop and R’n’B for many years. Rappers were called the most “narrow-minded” among all the subjects. The tasks included classic IQ tests, as well as traditional tests on school program, which included basic education material. Those who preferred classical and symphonic music showed higher results. To parents’ great pity, those who liked heavy music and rock turned to have the highest IQ level.
The experts found some results unexpected. What surprised them most was that the people who loved classical music and heavy metal were very much alike. Both groups were creative and at ease, but not very sociable. The Professor says that the public has held a stereotype of heavy metal fans being suicidally depressed and of being a danger to themselves and society in general. However, he adds, they are quite delicate things.
Music styles and personality traits:
- BLUES – High self-esteem, creative, outgoing, gentle and calm.
- JAZZ – High self-esteem, creative, outgoing, calm.
- CLASSICAL MUSIC – High self-esteem, creative, introverted, quiet.
- RAP – High self-esteem, outgoing.
- OPERA – High self-esteem, creative, gentle.
- COUNTRY AND WESTERN – Hardworking, outgoing.
- REGGAE – High self-esteem, creative, not hardworking, outgoing, gentle and at ease
- DANCE – Creative, outgoing
- INDIE – Low self-esteem, creative, not hard working, not gentle
- BOLLYWOOD – Creative, outgoing, not gentle
- ROCK/HEAVY METAL – Low self-esteem, creative, not hard-working, not outgoing, gentle, at ease.
- CHART POP – High self-esteem, not creative, hardworking, outgoing, gentle, not at ease.
- SOUL – High self-esteem, creative, outgoing, gentle, at ease.
