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Does Music Impact Emotions? - Coggle Diagram
Does Music Impact Emotions?
Potential Areas for Research
How do arousal levels correlate with emotions?
What are the factors that may alter a candidate's sympathtic autonomic system?
What features of music influence emotions the most?
Extraneous Variables
Participant Variables
Mood
Mood is commonly associated with the heartbeat. For example, anger, anxiety and excitement can certainly increase the heartbeat experiences when listening to music. On the other hand, candidates who are experiencing a more depressed and flat mood may have much lower heartbeats when listening to the music. Furthermore, candidates may feel various moods depending on the day of the week (e.g. a test after school) that can affect the mood which in turn affects their heartbeat.
Initial Heartbeat
Candidates who participate in the experiment will all have a different initial heartbeat. This results in variations in heartbeat (arousal levels) as someone who has a high initial heartbeat will also have high arousal levels after listening to the music. whilst someone who has a lower initial heartbeat will also have a lower arousal level after listening to said music.
Music Preference
Each candidate who participates in the experiment will have various music preferences (e.g., Rock, Classical). Personal preference on music can impact the levels of arousal experienced in the experiment as candidates who prefer rock music will have lower arousal levels when listening to classical music as they are more accustomed to the features of rock music such as higher volume, tempo and louder instruments in comparison to Classical music.
Gender
The number of identified males and females that participate in the research program can impact data in regard to heartbeat. Women typically have much higher average heartbeats than men do, being 78 to 82 beats per minute for an adult woman. On the contrary, adult men have significantly lower heartbeats ranging between 70 to 72 beats per minute. This will result in the candidates identifying as men to have much lower arousal levels compared to the candidates that identify as women.
Volume
The volume used by candidates to listen to the music during the research project can have an impact in heartbeat. It is highly unlikely that each candidate set the volume the same as the others due to personal preference. The candidates who had set the volume to a high value will result in their hearts beating faster and blood pressure go up whilst the candidates that set a low volume would have a lower heartbeat and less bodily responses.
Age
Age is a major influencer in heart rate (variable measured during the research program). According to the American Heart Association, the target heart rate zone decreases as you get older. This relationship between age and heart rate therefore affects the arousal levels recorded in the research program as candidates who are older will have lower maximum heart rates compared to those who are younger, lowering the heart rates experienced when listening to the music.
Under the influence of drugs
Stimulants
Caffeine and other stimulant drugs consumed by candidates prior to the experiment will speed up messages travelling between their brain and body. These drugs can increase heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and internal body pressure which therefore causes a candidate's arousal levels to be higher than average (Stimulants - Alcohol and Drug Foundation 2023).
Depressants
Candidates who are under the influence of depressant drugs (e.g. alcohol) will have a much slower nervous system with messages between the brain and body taking longer to travel and process. This can affect concentration and coordination of a candidate which reduces both arousal levels and stimulation in the body (Alcohol and Drug Foundation 2022).
Hallucinogens
Whilst not a drug type that could be commonly used by candidates, hallucinogens can disoreintate and change their perception of reality. Candidates may see, feel or hear things that are not real or their interpretation may be distorted (BetterHealth 2018). When listening to music, Candidates under the influence of hallucinogens may interpret said movie in a different way compared to those who are not influenced which can affect arousal levels.
Constant variables
Music genres used
Candidates that participate in the experiment will most certainly have different preferences of music genres (e.g. classical, rock). A candidate listening to their preferred music genre will have a mush higher level of arousal than listening to other genres as their brain has adapted to the genre's characteristics (tempo, voulme, rhythm). It is important to ensure that two different genres of music are used (the two preferences of music candidates have to choose between) as to accomodate candidates' preferences rather than generalizing arousal levels.
Testing environment
Forcing candidates to undertake the experiment in the same environment will increase the validity and accuracy of arosual levels gathered. Factor,s such as temperature and background noise, may differ between different environments which can affect candidates' level of arousal experienced when listening to music.
Time allocated to music listening
The amount of time candidates use to listen to each genre of music can change arousal levels. Listening to the same music for extended periods of time may lower arousal levels as the brain gets more used to the tempo, rhythm and volume. On the other hand, candidates who only briefly listen to music will experience a higher level of arousal as certain aspects may feel more interesting or provoking, increasing arousal levels. By allocating the exact same time for candidates to listen to the music, it will give the brain the same exposure in order to make the experience
consistent.
Music tempo (per genre)
Candidates that are exposed to high tempo music will experience higher levels of arousal. This is due to the fact that brain signals respond to the music rythms though the activations of signals thoughout the bodysuch as increasing heart rate and blood pressure (Darki et al. 2022). It is important to keep the tempo for each type of music constant so that the experience and arousal stimulus is the same for each candidate.
Method
Listening to music
The apparatus used by candidates to listen to music can create major disparities in the data as every type of apparatus has various specifications and functions. When comparing Air Pods with wireless earbuds (two commonly used apparatuses), the earbuds produce a maximum volume of 120 db (decibels) whilst the Air Pods produce a lower maximum volume of 115 db. Additionally, the model of music apparatus can enhance the quality of the music (newly manufactured apparatuses will have higher quality than older counterparts). By each candidate using the same apparatus to interpret the music, the quality will be kept
as consistent as possible.
Monitoring heartbeat
Candidates participating in the experiment will use various methods of monitoring heartbeat, whether it be by touch or by using an electronic. By using different methods of monitoring arousal levels (heart beat), there will be many potential errors and disparities to invalidate data analysis as some apparatuses may have different functions and specifications than others. For example, Fitbit (fitness watch brand) has proven to monitor heartbeat to a far more accurate degree than standard chest-strap sensors (Apel Studios, 2022). Neverthess, candidates using the exact same apparatus to measure heartbeat will enable accurate comparisons and conclusions drawn from the heart beat monitored about arousal levels.
Situational variables
Temperature
The arousal levels (heartbeat) of each candidate are affected by the temperature when conducting the experiment. On a hot day, the heart will beat approximately 10 beats per minute faster for every degree the body's internal temperature rises which increases arousal levels. On the other hand, the heart will have to beat faster in order to keep the body at a optimum temperature, also increasing arousal levels in the process.
Lighting
The amount of light exposure experienced by candidates is a factor to be considered whent measuring arousal levels. A study done by The Univeristy of California highlights that a high level of light exposed to candidates will have an arousing affect on on the sympathetic autonomic system though an increase in cortisol (primary stress hormone) and heart rate whereas low light levels will result in much lower cortisol levels and heart rate (lower arousal levels) (Mason et al. 2022).
Background Noise
Noises that are present in the experiment's environment can affect a candidate's arousal levels. Researchers from Harvard University have proven that higher levels of noise exposure were associated with higher activity in the amygdala, the area of the brain involved in processing stress, anxiety and fear (factors that influence arousal levels) ( Harvard Health, 2020).
Time of Day
The timing of the experiment can prove to have an impact into the arousal levels of candidates. If the experiment was conducted toward the start of the day, arousal levels (heartbeat) would be high as the candidates would have more energy. On the other hand, timing the experiment towards the end of the day will result in lower arousal levels as candidates will have less energy left i nthat the body does not need as much oxygen, slowing down the candidate's heartbeat.
Odour
The odor present in the experiment environment can affect a candidates arousal levels depending on the type, intensity and pleasantness of the smell. Candidates who find an odor to be pleasant will have a lower arousal level as an unpleasant odor will increase arousal levels. Pleasant odors enable the body to lower stress and promote relaxation, in turn lowering heartrate and arousal levels (Mikiko Kadohisa 2013).
Candidates who are more familiar with environment odors will have much lower arousal levels than those who are less familiar as the brain has adapted to the specific odor, increasing its pleasantness. Gender can also play a role in interpreting odor with females bearing a slightly more sensitive olfactory (smell) system compared to me due to 50% more cells present in their olfactory bulb (region of brain that processes odors) (Prigg 2014).
Independent Variable
Emotions
The independent variable present in the experiment is the emotions that each candidate experiences. Measuring the extent of emotions felt by someone is challenging as assessing facial expressions, behavioural and psychological responses do not necessarily correlate (Zimmerman 2023). Not only that, but candidates' emotions are entirely subjective so only emotion-related bodily changes may be valid for categorisation.
Research Design Type
Experimental
Experimental research enables correlations to be made between the variables introduced and the effect each one as on each group. However, experimental research is highly prone to human error, is time consuming and can produce artifical results all of which undermine its validity and practicality.
Experimental research will be used to determine the correlation between music and emotions due to the amount of variables potentially present during data collection.
Observational
Observational research involves candidates and phenomena in a realistic scenario. This enables observations to be made from candidcates conducting the experiment in a natural setting rather than research labs, limiting any errors or discrepencies that could invalidiate the data from a realistic standpoint. Yet, observational research are more prone to bias and confounding whilst being unable to demonstrate causality (Hess & Alaa Abd-Elsayed 2019).
Observational research will not be used to determine the correlation between music and emotions as the experiment requires a large sample size which will be hard to manage wihtout a set environment.
Qualitative
Qualitative research focuses mainly on the collection and and analysis of non-numerical data in order to understand certain concepts, opinions or experiences (Bhandari 2020). This design can be used to gather in-depth insights into a certain problem and generate new ideas/perspectives. Qualitative research is known to be subjective, difficult to anaylse and has a high potential to lead to inaccurate data collection.
Qualitative research will not be used to design the experiment as the required data needs to be numerical which will then be used tounderline any correlations between music and emotions.
Sample Size
Number of candidates
Large sample size
Using a large sample size (more than 30 candidates) for the experiment will create a more diverse range of data to draw conclusions upon. There are some disadvantages to using a large sample size as it requires more financial and time commitments which may make the experiment unreliable and impractical in providing data between music and arousal levels. Moreover, outliers present in the data may be dwarved or disregarded by more frequent trends. A large sample size will be optimal in conducting an experiment to determine the impact music has on emotions.
Small sample size
Using a small sample size (less than 30 candidates) will enable the experiment to be conducted within a short period of time with minimal financial commitments. However, small sample sizes provide room for bias in collected data (e.g. confirmation bias, selection bias) as well as extend the influence biased data has on the overall data set (decreasing validity). A small sample size will therefore not be used to determine the impact music has on emotions.
Population
General Public
Sample groups from the general public will be most effective in conducting the experiment as it will increase the potential applications of the data collected through the representation of various different populations, increasing validity.
Educational Institution
Sample groups from an educational insitution will result in candidates being aged much younger than the general population. This can create errors though inexperience and limited knowledge of the importance of participating the experiment in that there will be regular bias in the data.
Working
Using sample groups from the working population represents most of the general population (64.4% in Australia) which can improve validity and accuracy. However, the working population will mostly have very strict time commitments which can make candidates participating in the experiment rush to finish (Rush-To-Solve Bias) (Unconscious Bias Annual Mandatory Training 2021).
Socioeconomic status
Candidates with a very low socioeconomic status that participate in the experiment may have less resources, time and energy available to participate in the experiment compared to candidates with a high socioeconomic status. It is of utmost importance that the sample size collected represents a much greater socioeconomic group of people as to ensure that all groups are taken into account and represented.
Ethical Considerations
Informed Consent
Helps candidates avoid misunderstandings or confusion on what to expect during the experiment
Voluntary Participation
Gives candidates a choice to participate in gathering data for the experiment instead of being coerced in any way. It is essential for candidates to change their mind about participating in an experiment.
Confidentiality
Prevents the misuse of data collected during the experiment which may be used against candidates as well as protecting their public reputation.
Right to withdraw
Protects candidates' rights and conditions of self-government (own morality) rather than be under the influence of others' desires.
Accurate Reporting
Enables the transparency of conclusions and connections made from gathered data for candidates in order to ensure that any points made are accurate, honest and complete.
Debriefing
Maintain responsibility for candidates in the experiment though attempts in returning them to their initial emotional, psychological or physical state prior to participation.
Deception
Withholding or preventing the publication of information to candidates such as the experiment's true purpose or design.
Dependent Variables
Heartbeat
Monitoring heartbeat in participants is somewhat reliable due to the numerous possible methods of doing so (e.g. watch, other technologies). Heartbeat, however, is a variable that can be influneced by various other variables that may be present during the experiment which may not paint a detailed picture on the candidate's true emotions at a given time.
Arousal Levels
Arousal levels, measured by a candidate's personal opinion, is effective in a way that it enables the data gathered to be more genuine in that it is based on candidates' own perception and feelings about their current emotional state. There are flaws to this method as each candidate may have a different system/idea on how to determine their current state of arousal as well as various definitions on what is considered to be a high or low arousal level.
Data collection
Mean
The mean is the calculated average of every single value from a data set. The mean takes all of the collected data into account as is very useful for comparison with other means. Whilst the mean is affected by outliers and can be misleading in skewed distributions, it will be used to collect data during the experiment due to its minimal bias.
Median
The median is the exact central value of a data set. Like the mode, the median is unaffected by extreme values as it is based on the relative position of data values and is easy to calculate. This method of data collection will not be used during the experiment as it is not based on all of the data and can be affected by fluctuations during the sampling process.
Mode
The mode of a data set is the most reoccuring value encountered during an experiment. The mode is very easy to identify in a data set and is not affected by extreme values. Mode will not be used during data collection is it is not well defined and does not account for every aspect of the data/.
Range
The range is the difference between the largest and smallest values of a data set. The range is very easy to interpret and calculate yet will not be used to collect data during the experiment as it is very sensitive to potential outliers whilst not representign all of the collected data