EEG Correlates of Enhanced Spatial Performance following Exposure to Music

Abstract

Previous research has shown that exposure to classical music can influence performance on a spatial task. The present study investigated EEG correlates of this enhanced performance effect. 4 female and 4 male undergraduates completed two equivalent spatial tests, one following a control procedure and one following the presentation of Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major. EEG was recorded during a baseline and two task-performance periods. Test performance and EEG recordings were analyzed, and correlations were generated between task performance and EEG variables (average spectral power and peak frequency within 5 frequency ranges). Performance improved significantly following the presentation of the music. EEG analysis indicated 6 reliable correlations out of 40 calculated between differential EEG variables and changes in performance. Ten reliable correlations out of 120 were also found between changes in performance and nondifferential EEG variables across baseline, control, and experimental conditions.