Music preference and its relationship to grade point average

&

A longitudinal study of students’ attitudes of the war in Iraq and its relationship to

grade point average

by

Allison Liska
Faculty advisor: Michael K. Russell, Psychology

WU CSI Summer Stipend
Follow-up report

August 12, 2004

         During the course of the summer I investigated two topics: The relationship between music preference and grade point average, and the relationship between grade point average and attitudes toward the war in Iraq.
        Concerning the music preference study, I was able to find significance in the types of music that effect grade point average. I determined that hip-hop and rap music negatively effect students’ grade point average.  There was also an interesting difference between males and females. Hip-hop music didn’t appear to be a significant factor in determining male’s grade point average. Rap music, however, was a significant factor. On the other hand, it appeared that the more females listened to hip-hop music, the higher their grade point average. However, rap music appeared to have a negative effect on grade point average in females.
        The longitudinal study of the war in Iraq and its relationship to grade point average was less promising. Due to a small number of participants, a relationship between attitudes and grade point average could not be determined. I was, however, able to determine that attitudes toward the war didn’t change over time.
    In order to better understand the material I was studying, an extensive literature search was necessary. What follows is a list of articles I read throughout the summer.

References

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