Assignment 7

1.Is it true that just listening (passively listening to )music makes you smart? What does research studies cited in this article indicate? What does the author suggest? What do you think?
Just by listening to music you can't become smarter, but the way you perceive it can. The research says when you listen to music and find the rhythmic pattern it helps you understand the concept of the different sounds that form words. According to the author engaging in music strengthens your brain. I agree because when I listen to music I get a certain feeling that I don't get any where else.
2.The author suggests four types of findings to support the belief that music has strong biological roots? What are they?
The four types of findings to support the belief that music has strong biological roots are that animals would have fundamental abilities in music, biological behaviors are universal, they are often revealed early in life before cultural factors influence and change behavior, and we might expect the human brain to be organized to process musical activities.
3.According to neuroscientists, synapses (the junction across which a nerve impulse passes to a neuron or other cell) grow stronger through use and become weakened. How does playing music help synapses grow stronger?
Playing music helps synapses grow because learning and performing music actually exercises the brain. The cerebral cortex is active and the brains capacity is increasing its strength.
4.Does music help improve reading comprehension? What does the author say about it? What is your opinion?
Music does help improve reading comprehension. allowing students to listen to music and recognize the different pitches and sounds they are able to distinguish the pitch of different words. I don't agree with this however. Unlike the last question I have never felt like I can read better with music. I have to almost have complete silence while reading.
5.What is the most interesting fact you learn from this article?
The most interesting fact I learned is that music makes us smarter. I knew this, but I never took time to think about it and how it works.