The Relationship Between Musical Composition and Emotional Response

Abstract

This research project, supported by the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) at the University of Minnesota Duluth, aimed to investigate the psychological effects of different musical compositions on individuals' emotional responses. Drawing on existing literature linking music to emotional reactions, the study hypothesized distinct emotional reactions to compositions varying in tempo, dynamics, and key. The research involved administering unique musical compositions to four experimental groups, each representing different tempo, dynamic, and key combinations. Participants then completed a Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) to assess their emotional responses. Results from a MANOVA test indicated a statistically significant difference in emotional reactions among the experimental groups, confirming the hypothesis and highlighting the impact of musical composition elements on emotional states. The findings contribute valuable insights into the complex interplay between music and emotions, with implications for fields such as music therapy, marketing, and entertainment.