(B)
Rauscher, Shaw, and Ky (1993) reported that college students perform better on
standardized tests of spatial abilities after listening to 10 minutes of a Mozart sonata than after
listening to relaxation instructions or sitting in silence. 57 the short-term nature of the
so-called Mozart effect (10–15 min), the results received widespread attention in the popular
and scientific media. The notion that “music makes you smarter” has become one of the most
popular interpretations (or 58 misinterpretations) of a psychological finding.
Although the Mozart effect has been replicated by some researchers, failures to replicate
the effect by others raise doubts about its 59 . Nonetheless, based on a meta-analysis of 16
studies, Chabris (1999) conceded that there may be a small intermittent effect, but that it
probably arises from “enjoyment arousal” 60 by music. Compared with listening to
Mozart, sitting in silence or listening to a relaxation tape is less arousing. 61 , previous
investigations of the Mozart effect may have confounded differences in listening condition
with differences in arousal and mood. It seems possible that the Mozart effect has little to do
with Mozart in particular or with music in general.
【題組】60. (A) attenuated (B) undermined (C) induced (D) edified