The relationship between music and cognitive development has been studied for many years. Some research suggests that early exposure to music, for example, is linked to better performance in areas such as language, math, and spatial skills.

When a person listens to music, several areas of the brain are activated, including those related to language, emotion, memory, and attention. Continued activation can strengthen neural connections and enhance brain plasticity.

In addition, studies have shown that music can facilitate the encoding and retrieval of information. By associating melodies with certain concepts, a network of associations is created that facilitates the process of remembering.

However, the opposite also happens. Research by Virgil Griffiths found a link between certain music preferences and lower academic performance.

What type of music contributes the least to intelligence?

According to Virgil's research, reggaeton and certain styles of hip-hop are the musical genres that contribute least to intellectual development.

Listening to music can boost your intelligence – Photo: Rashid Kimi/Unsplash/ND

This is mainly due to the repetitive structure and its often less complex words, which may limit cognitive stimulation.

Despite the association, other factors must be taken into account. Virgil's own study, which linked reggaeton and hip-hop to poor academic performance, suggests that upbeat music can boost listeners' moods.

Energetic rhythms and catchy melodies can be an excellent tool for motivation and mood, as well as increasing motivation and productivity. Which in turn can improve cognitive performance.

What type of music contributes most to intelligence?

One of the most famous studies on music and intelligence is the “Mozart effect.” This term refers to the theory that listening to classical music can temporarily increase IQ and improve certain cognitive skills.

The article was published in the magazine. nature In 1993, she found that students who listened to a Mozart sonata before taking a spatial reasoning test performed better than those who did not.