KEY COMPONENTS OF THE MOZART EFFECT

The results of studies intended to replicate the enhancement of spa ti al-temporal reasoning following exposure to 10 min. of Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major (K.448) have been varied. While some studie s have replicated the effect, others have not. We suggest that researc hers' diverse choice of dependent measures may account for these varie d results. This paper provides a neurophysiological context for the en hancement and considers theoretical and experimental factors, includin g the choice of dependent measures, the presentation order of the cond itions, the selection of the musical composition, and the inclusion of a distracter task, that may contribute to the various findings. More work is needed before practical applications can be derived.