I feel pretty, oh so pretty... Metal fans officially delicate

[Joe Forth and Die]

BBC LINK: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7598549.stm

Musical tastes and personality type are closely related, according to a study of more than 36,000 people from around the world.

The research, which was carried out by Professor Adrian North of Heriot-Watt University, is said to be the largest such study ever undertaken.

It suggested classical music fans were shy, while heavy metal aficionados were gentle and at ease with themselves.

Professor North described the research as "significant" and "surprising".

What does your musical taste say about you?

He said: "We have always suspected a link between music taste and personality. This is the first time that we've been able to look at it in real detail. No-one has ever done this on this scale before."

Prof North said the research could have many uses in marketing, adding: "If you know a person's music preference you can tell what kind of person they are, who to sell to.

"There are obvious implications for the music industry who are are worried about declining CD sales.

"One of the most surprising things is the similarities between fans of classical music and heavy metal. They're both creative and at ease but not outgoing.

"The general public has held a stereotype of heavy metal fans being suicidally depressed and of being a danger to themselves and society in general. But they are quite delicate things."

More than 36,000 people from all over the world were asked to rate 104 musical styles and also questioned about aspects of their personality.

The study is continuing and Prof North, who is head of the university's department of applied psychology, is still looking for participants to take part in a short online questionnaire.

Click on the link to see the whole list of music/traits.

[JAGEagent]

This is interesting. A good find.

[whiskey funeral]

"quite delicate things" . Awwwwww.

[FenriR]

[ObscureInfinity]

[cookiecutter]

Interesting.

[genocide roach]

ROCK/HEAVY METAL Low self-esteem, creative, not hard-working, not outgoing, gentle, at ease

the study combines rock and metal, which i think we would all agree is a problem since the 2 styles and fans are often very different. also, i would argue the "not hard working" and "low selft esteem" comments as well...
~gR~

[Crimson Velvet]

I wouldn't. I've met tons of metal fans around Europe who're lazy bastards. It's the way it's always been.

EDIT: Oh, and the low self-esteem part ought to be obvious for anyone who... you know... isn't stupid.

[no country for old wainds]

surely 'low self esteem' and 'at ease' are kind of conflicting

[ramses]

Can't be too acurate.....I love metal and classical. I'm not shy at all! I'm very outgoing...I kill 2-4 people I meet on a weekly basis.