Functions of Emotions Flashcards
What are 6 functions of emotions might apply to music?
Using source of information in emotional sense
Prepare us for action (dance)
Means of communication
Regulate social behaviour (guide us to/from positive or negative situations)
Create cognitive biases and maintain self-esteem / guide how we think and act
Act as coping mechanisms for stress
How can music be a means of communication?
Mirroring - a classic approach to cognition
Actions and observations of the action activate the same mental representations in terms of cognition. Same for music.
What is the common coding theory?
Perceptions and actions share a common code.
Perception –> Cognition –> Action
What do observed, imagined, and performance of actions allow us to predict?
What might happen
Emotions
What is evidence for argument in communication?
Mirror neurons
What is the basis of the mirror neuron system?
The same neurons are activated when perceiving an action as when performing it
What do mirror neurons underpin?
The common coding theory
When are mirror neurons activated in music?
When hearing the Minor Third (used to convey sadness)
What is music perceived as (in relation to mirror neurons)?
Music is perceived as an intentional, hierarchically organised sequence of expressive motor acts behind the auditory signal
What is the basic idea of mirror neurons and music?
We pick up on the right sort of sound cues etc. to understand what emotion the performer is trying to get across
What might be an explanation for a shared musical experience between composer/performer and listener?
Mirror neurons
What can music affect?
Mood
Decision-making
Behaviour
Cognitive performance (calming music improves performance in primary school children)
Wine choices (play French music and people buy French wine)
What does classical music influence?
Shopping habits - more money is spent in restaurants that play classical music
What is dance/house associated with?
Driving performance
Associated with accidents (18-29 year-olds)
How can music be used as a coping mechanism?
People listen to music to regulate their mood (used in therapy)
Relaxation benefits in terms of pre-operation anxiety, during labour, and to help quality of sleep
