29.06.2000

 

Wilfried Gruhn: Does Brain Research Support the Hope for Musical Transfer Effects? Introduction: Divergent concepts of intelligence When talking about brain research and transfer effects in music we necessarily touch the issue of intelligence. For the hidden assumption (and the educational hope) beyond musical transfer effects very often is articulated in terms of if and how and to what extent music is apt to make individuals smarter. Therefore, I first would like to very briefly glance at the meanings of intelligence. Very often - or even mostly - intelligence is associated with cognitive and intellectual capacity. In a very broad sense Intelligence can be defined as the psychobiological potential to solve problems. However, there is a still ongoing debate on two conflicting theories: the global g-factor theory versus the theory of multiple intelligences. The question is whether intelligence can or must be seen as one global property corresponding to a hierarchical model with the g-factor on top that influences many domains, or whether it reflects a community of separable intelligences which humans develop in distinct ways for which Howard Gardner(1985) has defined clear criteria. From that, personal intelligence profiles with different peaks and depth develop rather than one general intelligence. In general, it can be shown that intelligence or intelligent cognitive achievement has neurobiological correlates such as · higher speed in neuronal signal transmission and signal processing, · stronger and more efficient neuronal interconnectivity, · high correlation between IQ and neuronal activity ( r = .50 - .70). For our reflection, it will be reasonable to examine whether brain research supports the growth of particular abilities independently from other cognitive domains. · Does music stimulate other brain areas than primary, secondary and tertiary auditory cortices so that other cognitive areas are infected? · Is there an objectively measurable correlation between other skills and music? · Are there observable combinations of music with another intelligence above chance level?