Yes, based on available research, people with high IQ tend to listen to music, particularly showing a notable enjoyment for certain genres like classical music.
While enjoying music is a widespread human activity, studies exploring its relationship with intelligence levels often highlight specific patterns or preferences rather than a simple yes or no to listening in general.
Insights from Research
Various studies delve into the listening habits and musical preferences associated with different cognitive profiles. These investigations often look for correlations between intelligence scores and factors like preferred genres, musical engagement, or the perceived emotional or cognitive impact of music.
The Link Between High IQ and Classical Music
A significant finding in this area, supported by research, suggests a particular affinity among individuals with higher intelligence.
- Preference for Classical Music: Several studies indicate that people with higher levels of intelligence show a tendency to enjoy classical music.
The provided reference specifically notes this connection: "people with higher levels of intelligence tend to enjoy classical music, especially composers such as Beethoven, Mozart and Bach."
This enjoyment strongly implies active listening. Therefore, the research suggests that high IQ individuals not only listen to music but may also have specific preferences that correlate with their cognitive abilities.
Implications of This Finding
The enjoyment of complex musical structures found in classical music is sometimes posited to align with a preference for complex systems often seen in individuals with higher cognitive function. Whether this is a cause, effect, or simply a correlation remains a subject of ongoing study in the fields of psychology and neuroscience. However, the core finding confirms that listening to music, specifically classical genres, is a characteristic observed among people with higher IQs.
