Effect of Notational Values, Age, and Example Length on Tempo Performance Accuracy

Abstract

Seventy-two subjects drawn from six age groups clapped a notated rhythmic example while attempting to maintain a tempo given by metronome calibrated to 90 beats per minute. The example contained three sections that were counterbalanced to control for order. Section A of the example contained twelve beats of half notes, section B contained twelve beats of quarter notes, and section C contained twelve beats of eighth notes. Three forms of the example (ABC, BCA, and CAB) were randomly assigned to subjects. Dependent variable data consisted of the number of seconds required to perform each section of the rhythmic example. Seconds, measured to the nearest .01 second, were converted into beats per minute and expressed as deviation scores. No significant differences were produced among the three sections containing different notational values or among age groups of subjects. Significant differences were produced on order of presentation, indicating that performance tempo increased throughout the example. It was concluded that subjects evidenced a tendency to increase tempo during a clapped performance of a rhythmic example.