Comparing Continuous versus Static Measurements in Music Listeners\u27 Preferences

In this investigation, we compared listeners\u27 preferential ratings of art music, derived by conventional static ratings taken through 10-point Likert-type scales, and continuous ratings taken throughout the duration of each excerpt with a Continuous Response Digital Interface (CRDI). Music majors (n = 100) and non-music majors (n − 100) rated twelve excerpts of Western art music, including three substyles (Baroque, Romantic, and 20th-century) and three performance media (strings, keyboard, and winds). Music majors\u27 preference ratings were significantly higher than were nonmusic majors\u27 preference ratings. Although no significant effect was found due to using the CRDI or static rating scale, there was a significant interaction between type of measurement and major. Music majors\u27 static and continuous ratings were similar; however, nonmusic majors\u27 continuous ratings were noticeably higher than were static ratings. Nonmusic majors using the CRDI averaged almost one Likert-scale rating higher than those using the static measure. © 1995, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved