DYSLEXIA AND MUSICAL APTITUDE

File(s)
Date
2010-09Author
Huss, Elizabeth A.
Department
Psychology - Experimental
Advisor(s)
Rauscher, Frances
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Some researchers believe music instruction may prove a beneficial intervention
for dyslexia. The idea is bolstered by the existence of overlapping neural networks for
music and language, studies in which musical training has had positive effects on reading
in typically developing children, and studies on the effects of musical training on brain
plasticity.
The current study was designed to see if adults with a history of dyslexia find
musical timing (rhythm and tempo) and rapid tasks more difficult than adults without a
history of dyslexia and if performance on these tasks is associated with literacy-related
skills. Participants completed two reading measures and a variety of musical aptitude
tasks. Results showed the dyslexia group did not perform more poorly on the rhythm
tasks. Results on the tempo tasks were mixed. The dyslexia group was more accurate
and less consistent at tempo copying at most speeds. No significant group differences
were found for the other tempo tasks or for any of the rapid perception tasks.
Performance on some of the musical tasks correlated with reading scores. Overall, the
results did not support the conclusion that individuals with dyslexia are impaired on
musical tasks.
Subject
Cognition disorders
Dyslexics - Education
Dyslexia
Music - Instruction and study
Music and language
Permanent Link
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/48335Type
Thesis
Description
A Thesis Submitted In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of Master of Science-Psychology Experimental