Chapter 8
Experiments
Chapter 8 of Performing Music Research examines the experiment as a means of assessing new ideas and initiatives, producing evidence that can support crucial developments in the lives and education of musicians. It outlines several key types of experiment, defined by how people are divided into groups, what those groups do, and how those groups are compared; it also considers how experimental strategies can be used to examine changes in an individual over a period of time. The chapter discusses guidelines for the effective design and conduct of experiments. Finally, it describes how to document the method and how to achieve rigor and validity in experimental research.
Research spotlights
Box 8.2
Singing and postnatal depression
Research demonstrating how group singing can help new mothers recover from symptoms of postnatal depression.
Read the full report:
Fancourt D & Perkins R (2018), Effect of singing interventions on symptoms of postnatal depression: a three-arm randomised controlled trial, British Journal of Psychiatry, 212, 119-121 [DOI].
Film produced by: Tantrwm Digital Media
Box 8.3
Reacting to audition stress
Research demonstrating how performers’ hearts respond to the pressures of an audition.
Read the full report:
Chanwimalueang T, Aufegger L, Adjei T, Wasley D, Cruder C, Mandic DP, & Williamon A (2017), Stage call: cardiovascular reactivity to audition stress in musicians, PLOS One, 12 (e0176023), 1-14 [DOI].
Film produced by: Tantrwm Digital Media
