Identify some psychological evidence that applies to the source?
The psycholinguistics of the relationship between language and mind was displayed in this article. Morton says that logogens (key words) can trigger associations or create connecting ideas, one picture shows it is raining, based on the lyric ‘come on rain down on me,’ this child then thought about what he does when it rains (stays inside his house watching the rain was the basis of this picture) so ideas have been created from a few lyrics. Many of the songs referred to negative feelings for example ‘You'd kill yourself for recognition.’ so these may have affected the drawings.
Savan investigated the effect music had on disruptive children. She started to play Mozart during science lessons over five months for an hour each day. The bio-physiological effect of this music caused lower blood pressure and pulse rate whilst the childrens' behaviour and concentration improved. It is believed the music increased endorphin production, reduced corticosteroirds and adrenalin so metabolism slowed and co-ordination improved so biologically music is positive. This was calming music whereas Radiohead caused images of death (and ice cream.) Reports are appearing within media about the effect various music is having on people and there is a rise in cases of depression and suicide, at the same time more young people are listening to radio stations such as ‘Classic FM’ especially around exams because it is calming. Some studies such as Savan’s show the biophysical effects that music has but it would be a good contrast is this was done again using music such as heavy metal to see what changes occur within students.
Schachter says there is a relationship between physiological arousal and emotion caused by external stimulus, like Savon’s study that found classical music calmed down pupils perhaps Radiohead’s lyrics make children feel frustrated and upset. The children all showed physical effects including lack of movement and a reduction in facial expressions when the music was played as stated by Schachter that physical effects such as faster heart rate occur from stimulus, an example could be clubbing music makes people move quickly whereas Radiohead slowly paces along and may make the children more socially aware.
How can Psychology be used to affect the issues raised in the source?
Ethical considerations question whether the children should have been allowed to partake. All the pupils were under sixteen years old yet their parents did not consent because the teacher did. I think this would have been okay if the experiment was less ‘harmful’ but the children were exposed to depressive and suicidal lyrics and their feelings towards this was displayed within their pictures. Some children demonstrated that they did not wish to be there so some ethical issues are raised about if it is fair for children to have to do this, especially when the pictures show the effect that the music has, (one child wrote ‘mummy please come and help’ on her picture)
The theme of imitation is important here because music can have a profound effect on people by how they think and act. If emotions are displayed in the form of drawing then other studies, for example Bandura, Ross and Ross’s study of aggression can also be related. This involved children being influenced by the actions of an adult, these actions and emotions where then exhibited by the children. The study found that those who spent time with the more aggressive adult imitated these actions more than the children with ‘better behaved’ adults. If children view incidents and interpret these as displayed by adults then they are likely to believe this is the appropriate way of behaviour. Role models are created especially within the media and people start to believe these people are always right, one main example is that of Kurt Cobain and now many try to dress, talk and act like he did. This idealistic view of people means it is likely people will start to believe all the lyrics are true and take on this sort of attitude.
Another study, which would be beneficial to findings is if parents listened to the music and see whether their opinions of this music changes and would this have an effect on the types of music they allow their children to listen to. If the children within the article were exposed to various types of music it would be interesting to see how their drawings altered to explain if it was external stimuli or internal feelings that caused these drawings. Psychology could compare groups of people who listen to different types of music to see how they are and it they show particular traits of the music and style. As the Radiohead children showed, music can have a profound influence on thoughts and feelings and it is not always for the best.
P.S – The week this experiment occurred the school were celebrating National Ice Cream day, this may explain the one thousand foot ice cream.
References:
Websites
http://search.britannia.com
Books
Cardwell, Clark and Meldrum, 2001, Psychology for A2 Level, Collins; London
Flanagan, C, (1997) A Level psychology Letts educational
Gross, Key Studies in Psychology, 1999, Hodder & Stoughton; London
Oliver, K, Psychology and everyday life, 2002, Hodder & Stoughton; London
Hayes Routledge, N, Foundations of Psychology, 1994, New York
Scott and Spencer, 1998, Psychology, A contemporary introduction, Blackwell Publishers Ltd; Oxford
Woods, Discovering Psychology, 1997, Hodder & Stoughton; London Books:
A’ level Psychology
Practical Report and Article analysis
Louise Gilbert
Candidate 7068
Centre 65301
