Integrating media effects research and music psychology

Abstract

Abstract The ‘media effects’ paradigm of mass communication research has produced a substantial body of knowledge about the psychological impact of audiovisual media. Although music exists in virtually every type of audiovisual media, relatively little media effects research has focused on the psychology of music. Better integration of media effects research and the study of music psychology would mutually benefit both disciplines. This integration can be established by investigating music in relation to media effects antecedents (causes) such as the attributes of media users, media content and form, and interactivity. Integration can also be achieved by considering the role of music in theories and models used in media effects research. Examples of these theories and models include social cognitive theory, uses and gratifications, limited capacity of cognition, affective disposition, and excitation transfer.