Yes, intelligent people like music, although the type of music preferred may differ. Research suggests a correlation between higher intelligence and a preference for instrumental music.
Insights into Music Preference and Intelligence
While the statement "intelligent people like music" is a broad generalization, available evidence offers some nuance. The key takeaway is that intelligence may influence musical taste, not whether someone enjoys music at all.
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Instrumental vs. Vocal Music: Studies indicate that individuals with higher intelligence test scores tend to show a stronger preference for instrumental music styles compared to music that is primarily vocal-instrumental.
- This does not mean intelligent people dislike vocal music, only that their preference leans towards instrumental forms.
- The research suggests that the cognitive demands of instrumental music may be more appealing to individuals with higher cognitive abilities.
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No Difference in Vocal-Instrumental Preference: Importantly, the study cited did not find a significant difference in preference for mostly vocal-instrumental music based on intelligence scores.
Summary
In short, while most people enjoy music in some form, there may be a correlation between intelligence and a preference for instrumental music. This doesn't mean other types of music are disliked, but rather that the cognitive complexity of instrumental music may be more appealing to some individuals.
