Despite the fact that music appears to be an important part of individuals' everyday experiences, the link between music and personality has been surprisingly overlooked by personality researchers. In an attempt to extend personality theory into new directions, my research examines how personality is manifested in everyday leisure activities. In collaboration with Dr. Gosling, I have been examining how individuals' music preferences serve as windows to their personality and lifestyle. In a series of studies, for example, we have found that people who like classical, jazz, blues, and folk music tend to be politically liberal, open minded, and achievement oriented. In contrast, people who like heavy metal, alternative, and rock music tend to be socially dominant, and value freedom.

Duties:

We need people who can run studies in the lab and in the field. We need people who can serve as judges in rating and assessing different types of music. We need people who can assist in data entry.