The article deals with the different kinds of manipulation of background music on the human
being. Several studies are discussed about the consequences of background music on decision
making, driving, buying, eating at a restaurant, etc. The question about the possibilities of an
escape from the influence of music is asked and discussed. At first the functions and
mechanisms of background music are elaborated, before the effects on the human being are
discussed. Subsequently tests are presented about the various influences of background music
in order to achieve control of people. Furthermore the controversies about the famous Mozart-
Effect are taken into consideration. It is also interesting to know how background music has
an impact on the physical body. To explain this phenomenon the working mechanisms of the
brain are illuminated by including the latest findings about brain and music in the last months.
This article ends with some concrete suggestions how to overcome being influenced and
manipulated by background music.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. “Background music”, “manipulation” and how it works
2.1. A definition of background music
2.2. A definition of “manipulation”
3. What are “Muzak” or “DMX” supposed to sell?
3.1. How emotions influence acting through music
3.2. How publicity works compared to background music
4. How does background music have an effect on human beings?
4.1. Emotions as a process
4.2. How can music influence our emotions?
5. From influence to control by using background music- musical studies on the influences of music on test subjects
5.1. How background music has an effect on relaxation
5.2. Classical music on public places
5.3. Background music in restaurants and supermarkets
5.4. How loudness has an effect on the residence time of customers in supermarkets
5.5. How tempi have an effect on residence time of customers in supermarkets
5.6. The effect of background music in order to increase learning capacity
5.7. Background music and its socio-emotional effects in society
5.8. Background music in movies
5.9. Background music in publicity
5.10. Background music at work
5.11. Background music in the car
6. A few Counter-arguments against the studies above
7. The “Mozart-Effect”
8. Physical impacts of music and how we can overcome of being influenced
8.1. Brainwork and music
8.2. Latest findings about brain and music
9. Conclusion
9.1. How to overcome being influenced
9.2. How can this article help researchers, musicians and non-musicians of not being manipulated?
Objectives and Research Themes
The main objective of this work is to investigate whether and in what ways background music can be used to manipulate human behavior, while simultaneously exploring strategies to counteract such influences. The research examines biological and psychological mechanisms through which music impacts the human mind.
- The functions and mechanisms of background music in various settings.
- The impact of musical parameters like loudness, tempo, and tonality on consumer behavior.
- The role of background music in movies, workplaces, and public transportation.
- The validity of the "Mozart-Effect" and its commercialization.
- The processing of music in the human brain and its physical implications.
Excerpts from the Book
5.1. How background music has an effect on relaxation
There is not one type of music that has a relaxing effect on the listener. Heiner Gembris did a research on relaxing music. He found out that it is indifferent whether the piece of music is slow or fast, soft or loud. The relaxing effect of the music depends on the instant mood and feelings of the listener. Fast music can be relaxing for someone who is tired, full of energy in order to abreact, when there is time and concentration to listen or when the listener is alone (Gembris, p. 14-15). Possibilities for the reasons that fast tempi can be perceived as relaxing are: the readiness or willingness for relaxation, the comprehension of tension and detention in musical terms or the listening habits of the listeners.
On the other side, slow music may seem as being relaxing when: the entourage shows an absence of irritation, when difficulties in concentration are present, in acoustical silence and when relaxation is physically possible. Possibilities for the reasons that slow tempi can be perceived as relaxing are mostly when the environment is full of arousal (Gembris, p. 16). These were answers that Gembris gained through his experiment with music students who had learnt music theory (Gembris, p. 14). The answers of the students vary and are partially contradicting themselves. This tells us that musical characters are not determining for the degree of relaxation (Gembris, p. 18). One of the students commented on this study that it is not the music pieces that are relaxing, but whether the music seems pleasant or not to the listener in that specific situation (Gembris, p. 18).
Chapter Summary
1. Introduction: Outlines the research intent to examine how music acts as a form of communication and its potential for manipulating social behavior.
2. “Background music”, “manipulation” and how it works: Defines key terms and establishes the theoretical framework regarding power relations and control mechanisms in music.
3. What are “Muzak” or “DMX” supposed to sell?: Analyzes commercial music providers and how they utilize specific musical characteristics to influence mood and environment.
4. How does background music have an effect on human beings?: Explores the physiological and psychological impact of music, including the process of emotions.
5. From influence to control by using background music- musical studies on the influences of music on test subjects: Provides an extensive review of experiments demonstrating how music alters behavior in supermarkets, workplaces, movies, and traffic.
6. A few Counter-arguments against the studies above: Discusses critical perspectives and the pushback against the idea of ubiquitous music consumption.
7. The “Mozart-Effect”: Critically evaluates the scientific claims and media exaggerations surrounding the cognitive benefits of listening to Mozart.
8. Physical impacts of music and how we can overcome of being influenced: Examines neuroscience research to explain how the brain processes music and potential growth effects.
9. Conclusion: Summarizes the potential to mitigate manipulation through increased awareness and active musical engagement.
Keywords
background music, manipulation, consumer behavior, Mozart-Effect, music psychology, neurobiology, emotional response, cognitive influence, relaxation, behavioral control, musical tempo, marketing, social communication, brain research, auditory perception.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the extent to which background music can manipulate human thoughts and actions, and discusses ways to remain aware of and potentially overcome these external influences.
What are the primary thematic fields covered?
The research integrates musicology, psychology, neurobiology, and behavioral economics to understand how music functions in society as a tool for control.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to determine if music manipulates human behavior and to provide a solution for individuals to recognize and counteract this manipulation.
Which scientific methods are employed in the studies discussed?
The paper reviews empirical studies, including laboratory experiments, observational studies in retail environments, driving simulations, and neuroscientific research using brain imaging.
What is explored in the main body of the work?
The main body details specific applications of music in retail, movies, and work, analyzes counter-arguments from other musicologists, and reviews neuroscientific findings regarding music and brain structure.
What are the key terms that define this work?
Key terms include "background music," "manipulation," "consumer behavior," "neurobiology," and "emotional response."
How does background music affect consumer residence time in supermarkets?
Studies show that slow-tempo music tends to keep customers in stores longer, whereas loud or fast music can lead to shorter stays, impacting purchasing behavior.
What is the author's stance on the "Mozart-Effect"?
The author concludes that the "Mozart-Effect" has been largely exaggerated by the media and commercial interests, noting that passive listening does not yield significant intelligence boosts compared to active musical engagement.
Why does the author recommend learning an instrument?
Active musical training is presented as a method to increase awareness and potentially change the structure of the brain, which may help individuals be less susceptible to unconscious manipulation by ambient music.
- Quote paper
- Stéphanie Lüders (Author), 2008, Manipulation through background music, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/186605
