Mozart Effect: Exploring the relationship between classical music and improvement in the spatial -temporal cognitive abilities of elementary school children

Mozart Effect: Exploring the Relationship Between Classical Music and Improvement in the Spatial-Temporal Cognitive Abilities of Elementary School Children Michael J. Ader Dissertation Chair Adam Kosnitzky, Ph.D. The purpose of this study was to learn if classical music stimuli can be used to enhance the thinking abilities of children as measured by a cognitive testing instrument. A comparison of classical music exposure and student achievement was conducted to specifically ascertain if music of varying types had an effect on measurable intelligences (especially spatial-temporal intelligence), as measured by the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT). An exploration of the theoretical and empirical literature regarding the improvement of cognitive abilities of elementary school aged children was examined to identify if exposure to arts education produced measurable gains which could facilitate academic success. In addition, this study identified contemporary research trends, gaps in the current literature, and areas for future scholarly inquiry. TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ABSTRACT LIST OF TABLES LIST OF APPENDICES CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION Background to the Study Purpose Significance of the Study Hypothesis Research Questions Research Design Scope and Delimitations Definitions Organization of the Study CHAPTER 11: REVIEW of the LITERATURE Review of the Literature Allocation of Scarce Resources Florida's A+ Plan Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) Class Size Reduction Mandates Language-Analytic vs. Spatial-Temporal Learning Non-Musical Outcomes of Arts Education Legal Cases for Education A Variety of Learning Theories and Methods Present Educational Challenges History and Characteristics of Music Education Programs Educational Dissolution of Fine Arts Programs Classical Music in General Use of Classical Music to Enhance Cognitive Function The Trion Theory The Yerkes-Dodson Law and Cognitive Arousal Theory Spatial-Temporal Animation Reasoning (STAR) Learning through the Arts (LTTA) The Mozart Effect Classroom Drama and Verbal Skills Music Listening and Spatial Reasoning Music Learning and Spatial Reasoning Conclusion ii iv vii viii CHAPTER 111: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Purpose of the Study Hypothesis Research Questions Research Design Dependent Variables Independent Variables Attribute Variable Population and Sampling Plan Participants Instruments Procedures Ethical Considerations Data Collection Data Analysis Evaluation of Research Methods External Validity Internal Validity Threats to Validity Summary CHAPTER IV: RESULTS Instrument Parameters Main Analysis Research Questions CHAPTER V: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS Review General Findings Cluster Findings Theoretical Considerations Conclusions Limitations Recommendations for Future Research Implications for Practice Final Thoughts REFERENCES APPENDICES APPENDIX A Personal Structural Factors Survey APPENDIX B IRB Approval APPENDIX C Parental Consent APPENDIX D Student Assent APPENDIX E Vita