Research
Does music affect citizens’ evaluations of candidates?
Emmanuel Heisbourg and Fernando Feitosa, Cambridge University Press 2021
This was a study done with an online survey where individuals were exposed to campaign ads with or without music. The results show that music “marginally” affects perceptions of competency, honesty, and leadership.
Music Preferences of those on the Left and Right of the UK Political Spectrum: What Can be Deduced about Individuals’ Music Libraries from their Political Attitudes?
Michaela Redhead, Durham University, DURMS, Volume 2, Autumn 2019
This 2019 UK study found that people on the left politically like R&B music much more than people on the right.
It's Not Only Rock and Roll: The Influence of Music Preferences on Political Attitudes
Jessica T. Feezell, Music as a Platform for Political Communication 2017
This article shows that music genre preferences are predictors of key political attitudes. Furthermore, the research shows that the main influence is not due to the content of the music, but rather the listener’s association with the genre and the norms of the listeners.
The Sound of Politics: An Examination of Political Orientations and Musical Preferences Among College Aged Adults
Omari Stringer, University of Central Florida, Honors Undergraduate Theses 2017
This study shows a correlation between genres and political orientation. Additionally, there are demographic variables that play a role. 2 of the top 5 genres that the participants listened to, religious and alternative music, were a large predictor of political orientation.
The relationship between the constructs of rap music, self-esteem, and self-efficacy
Lynn Y Jones, Capella University, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing 2010
This study displays the effects of rap music on self esteem and self efficacy. The results of this study are that students with a higher self-efficacy tend to be less critical of the constructs of rap music.
Differences in Aggression, Attitudes Toward Women, and Distrust as Reflected in Popular Music Preferences
A. Rubin, D. West, W. S. Mitchell, Published online November 2009, https://doi.org/10.1207/S1532785XMEP0301_02
This article uses a 243 person sample to link music preferences with three attitudes: aggression, attitudes toward women, and trust/distrust. Anger and self-esteem were also considered. The analysis of the study showed significant differences among those who preferred different music genres. Heavy-metal music listeners exhibited more aggression and less regard for women, and rap listeners showed more aggression and distrust.