The effect of repetition on preference ratings for select unfamiliar musical examples: Does preference transfer?

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of repeated exposure to select musical examples on participants’ preference ratings, and to investigate the potential transfer of preference to similar, but unfamiliar musical examples. A pre-test–post-test nonequivalent control group design was used to assess preference ratings before and after a program of repeated exposure. A second post-test was included to assess preference ratings for similar, but unfamiliar examples, in order to examine the possibility of generalized preference transfer. Participants included undergraduate students enrolled in three sections of a music appreciation course at a large university ( n = 174). Data were collected using research designed survey instruments administered during test measures. The treatment group ( n = 96) was exposed to the first set of examples across a 5-week period within which there were 8 test measures. Pre-test to post-test measures resulted in a general positive trend. Post-test ratings were significantly higher than pre-test, and no point of diminishing return was noted. Ratings on the second post-test were significantly higher than pre-test, suggesting a possible transfer of preference within stylistic genre.