Study finds links between personality and music taste
A new study of more than 36,000 people by Heriot-Watt University has found that musical tastes and personality traits are very closely linked. Amongst the findings, it was discovered that both heavy metal and classical music fans tend to be gentle and at ease with themselves.
Professor Adrian North, who conducted the research, told the BBC: "We have always suspected a link between music taste and personality. This is the first time that we've been able to look at it in real detail. No-one has ever done this on this scale before".
He added that the findings could have significant uses for marketers. He said: "If you know a person's music preference you can tell what kind of person they are, who to sell to. There are obvious implications for the music industry who are worried about declining CD sales".
He continued: "One of the most surprising things is the similarities between fans of classical music and heavy metal. They're both creative and at ease but not outgoing. The general public has held a stereotype of heavy metal fans being suicidally depressed and of being a danger to themselves and society in general. But they are quite delicate things".
There is still time to take part in the study. Just fill out the questionnaire at www.peopleintomusic.com
Here's what your taste says about you:
Blues: High self-esteem, creative, outgoing, gentle and at ease.
Jazz: High self-esteem, creative, outgoing and at ease.
Classical: High self-esteem, creative, introvert and at ease.
Rap: High self-esteem, outgoing.
Opera: High self-esteem, creative, gentle.
Country & Western: Hardworking, outgoing.
Reggae: High self-esteem, creative, not hardworking, outgoing, gentle and at ease.
Dance: Creative, outgoing, not gentle.
Indie: Low self-esteem, creative, not hard working, not gentle.
Bollywood: Creative, outgoing.
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.
-- From today's CMU Daily, www.cmudaily.co.uk
What of those music lovers who listen to a variety of music depending on their moods?
That's funny. I listen to a lot, and I mean A LOT of heavy metal and I'm the hardest working person in my department at work. I also have a very high self esteem and I'm really outgoing. Looks like the data is flawed.
huh,, not really me, i mean, only the outgoing bit.. but i dont just listen to rock, indie, dance, techno, pop, rap, you get the point
There was research a few years ago that showed a link between heavy metal and intelligence in youths.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/classical-to-rap-music-lovers-have-much-more-in-common-than-you-would-think-919553.html