Intelligence Drives Link Between Math and Music Skills
Research featured in the Journal of Intelligence explores the relationship between musical talent and mathematical skills, emphasizing the influence of general intelligence. Conducted by Michaela A. Meier with 170 participants, aged around 25, the study included 99 women and comprised individuals from STEM, music, and a control group. Participants underwent evaluations of their musical and mathematical proficiencies. While some connections between musical and mathematical skills emerged, they diminished when factoring in intelligence levels, with the exception of the Beat Alignment Test, which showed no link to IQ. Co-authors include Lara Spitzley and others.
Key facts
- Study published in Journal of Intelligence.
- 170 participants, average age 25, 99 women.
- Three groups: math/STEM, music, control.
- Assessments included musical perception and math tests.
- Weak to moderate correlations found between math and music abilities.
- Correlations reduced to near zero when controlling for intelligence.
- Beat Alignment Test was not associated with intelligence.
- Study authors: Michaela A. Meier, Lara Spitzley, Serra Ulusoy, Alexandra Hubmann, Rylie DelaCruz, Roland H. Grabner, Daniel Müllensiefen.
Entities
Institutions
- Journal of Intelligence