Giovanni Sala|Fernand Gobet
Cognitive and academic benefits of music training with children: A multilevel meta-analysis
Fujita Health University|London School of Economics and Political Science
music training repeatedly claimed positively impact childrens cognitive skills academic achievement literacy mathematics claim relies assumption engaging intellectually demanding activities fosters particular domaingeneral cognitive skills even general intelligence present metaanalytic review n 6984 k 254 54 shows belief incorrect quality study design controlled overall effect music training programs null formula see text 0 highly consistent across studies 2 0 results bayesian analyses employing distributional assumptions informative priors derived previous research cognitive training corroborate conclusions small statistically significant overall effects obtained studies implementing random allocation participants employing nonactive controls formula see text 0200 p 001 interestingly music training ineffective regardless type outcome measure eg verbal nonverbal speedrelated etc participants age duration training furthermore note beyond metaanalysis experimental studies considerable amount crosssectional evidence indicates engagement music impact peoples nonmusic cognitive skills academic achievement conclude researchers optimism benefits music training empirically unjustified stems misinterpretation empirical data possibly confirmation bias