You are what you listen to

You are what you listen to

Think twice before proudly showing off your iPod playlist. Your choice of music may mark you out as boring, dim and unattractive, according to new research from the University of Cambridge.

The study found that we make assumptions about someone’s personality, values, social class and ethnicity based on their musical preferences.

Classical buffs are seen as ugly and boring, while rock lovers are regarded as emotionally unstable and pop fans are considered to be rather dim.

Perusing a person’s iPod playlist can “reinforce stereotypes and, potentially, social prejudices”, said Dr Jason Rentfrow, who led the research at the university’s Department of Social and Developmental Psychology. “This research suggests that, even though our assumptions may not be accurate, we get a very strong impression about someone when we ask them what music they like.”

Subjects in the study were asked to ponder six musical genres: rock, pop, classical, jazz, rap and electronica. Jazz fans elicited the most positive response as they were considered to be imaginative, peace-loving liberals with friendly and outgoing natures. Classical buffs are perceived as quiet, friendly, responsible and intelligent but also unathletic, physically unattractive and dull. Those with a preference for rock songs are deemed to be “natural rebels”, thoroughly irresponsible and emotionally unstable, while pop fans are seen as conventional and calm but lacking in intelligence and wisdom. Rap aficionados are viewed as athletic and self-respecting but disorganised and “more hostile” than other music fans. Lovers of electronica are “a bit neurotic”.
The research was carried out to mark the university’s 800th anniversary.

Question 1. Indicate whether these sentences are true or false. Justify your answers with evidence from the text.
a) According to the study, it is not clear that people have an opinion of us depending on the music we like.
b) People who like classical music do not seem to be very attractive.
c) The study was carried out by the Music Department in Cambridge University.
d) Apparently rock fans adapt to social rules easily.

Question 2. Answer the following questions in your own words.
a) According to the study, what does the music we like tell other people about us?
b) What may be some bad consequences of knowing people’s musical preferences?

Question 3. Find a word or a phrase in the text that means the same as
a) to display (par.1) b) correct (par.4) c) to produce (par.5)

Question 4. Rewrite the following sentences without changing the meaning
a) “This research suggests that we get a strong impression about someone when we ask them what music they like.”
Dr. Jason said that ___________________________________________________
b) Subjects in the study were asked to ponder six musical genres.
They _____________________________________________________________
c) They consider him disorganized and hostile because he likes rap.
If he ___________________________________________________________

Question 5. Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic:
• Music makes the world go round. Do you agree?