The Interplay of Preference, Familiarity and Psychophysical Properties

The Interplay of Preference, Familiarity and Psychophysical Properties in Defining Relaxation Music:

The authors conducted three studies to investigate the correlational relationships between 12 psychophysical properties of music, preference, familiarity, and degree of perceived relaxation in music. Fourteen music therapists recommended and analyzed 30 selections of relaxation music. A group of 80 healthy adults then rated their familiarity, preference, and degree of perceived relaxation in the music. The analysis provided a detailed description of the intrinsic properties in music that were perceived to be relaxing by listeners. These properties included tempo, mode, harmonic, rhythmic, instrumental, and melodic complexities, timbre, vocalization/lyrics, pitch range, dynamic variations, and contour. In addition, music preference was highly correlated with listeners’ perception of relaxation in music for both music therapists and healthy adults. The correlation between familiarity and degree of relaxation reached significance in the healthy adult group.

Tan, Xueli; Yowler, Charles J; Super, Dennis M; Fratianne, Richard B. (2012). The Interplay of Preference, Familiarity and Psychophysical Properties in Defining Relaxation Music Journal of Music Therapy, 49(2), 150-179.