Music Preferences among Adults in Relation to Personality Traits

Author: Tayyaba Ali

Supervisor: Ms. Afsheen Masood

Degree: MPhil

Year: (2010-2012)

University: Institute of Applied Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

The present research explored the relationship between personality traits and music preferences among adults of University of Punjab Lahore. It was hypothesized that there would be significant positive relationship between big five personality traits and music preferences among adults. The Sample was drawn by using non probability purposive sampling. The sample consisted of (N = 275) adults taken from different departments of University of Punjab, Lahore. Cross sectional research design was used. Short Test of Music Preferences developed by Gosling and Rentfrow (2003) with mild adaptation was used to measure music preferences of adults alter due permission from authors. Big Five Inventory developed by Oliver P. John & Srivastava (1999) was used to measure Big Five personality traits. A self constructed demographic questionnaire was also administered on the participants. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used for data analysis. In inferential statistics Pearson product moment correlation analysis was carried out to find out relationship between big five personality traits and music preferences among adults. The results of correlational analysis showed that there is significant positive relationship between big five personality traits and music preferences among adults. The extraversion and openness personality traits were positively correlated with all four types of music genres. Both extraversion and openness correlated more with upbeat & conventional music. The Findings from the current research support the theoretical rationale of the Big Five Personality Trait theory and also reveal that personality traits are strong predictors of preference towards music.

Keywords:  personality traits, music preferences, adults.

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Corresponding Address: Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: chairperson@appsy.pu.edu.pk, Phone: 92-42-9231245

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