Abstract

This study was designed to examine qualitative data regarding gender and age differences about significant life events that are recalled when music is remembered. Two groups of participants were recruited, younger adults (M = 19.78, SD = 4.99) and older adults (M = 49.31, SD = 8.72). Data were collected by creating a survey and allowing participants to choose whichever songs, from their own experience, they like and asking them to list detailed memories that are attached to the song. Using the Linguistic Inquiry Word Count (2015) software, data was coded into categories of word count, positive and negative emotions, and how sociable words are. On average, young adults (M = 18.66, SD = 13.39) use more words when recalling their musical memories than older adults (M = 15.09, SD = 8.86). Data also suggests that young women (M = 9.76, SD = 4.91) use less words that are ranked as social than older women (M = 13.44, SD = 6.25). The impact of this study sheds some light on how music influences the memories of our culture, our society, and our self.

Thesis Completion

2016

Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Sims, Valerie

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Psychology

Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

May 2016

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