College
Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences
Date of Last Revision
2023-05-04 20:48:29
Major
Psychology
Honors Course
Honors Research in Psychology
Number of Credits
2
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2021
Abstract
This paper will discuss, in short, how music influences our brain, as well as some behavioral and physiological effects as a result. The brain consists of many regions responsible for different cognitive processes, such as learning, memory, recall, speech, and our emotions. It has been found that music helps to facilitate all of these cognitive processes, regardless of its emotional valence or whether the music is active or passive, such as singing or listening to it, respectively. It was discovered that music influences our ability to learn novel concepts related to mathematics, reading, and even language acquisition. It was also discovered that music supports dopaminergic responses related to reward and motivation, and inhibits stress responses due to an increase in cortisol levels, as well as activating regions associated with emotion regulation. Interestingly, music facilitates autobiographical recall and memory too, and decreases behavioral deficits in those with neurological degenerative diseases (like dementia). These findings implicate that music has rehabilitative and therapeutic benefits, supporting the notion that music therapy can be an effective form of therapy for cognitive, behavioral, and psychological disturbances.
Research Sponsor
Dr. Kevin Kaut
First Reader
Dr. Natacha Keramidas
Second Reader
Dr. Richard Einsporn
Honors Faculty Advisor
Dr. Charles Waehler
Recommended Citation
Herron, Caitlyn, "Music and Its Effects on the Brain" (2021). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 1416.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1416