Factors Influencing Pop Music Preferences of Young People

This study examined self-reported reasons by students at various grade levels for their pop music preferences. In addition, it compared responses of students in grades five, seven, nine, eleven, and college, as well as responses of students with different experience and background characteristics. Results revealed that characteristics such as the melody, mood, rhythm, and lyrics of a selection were the most important reasons for preference. Sociocultural variables generally were viewed as less important. Specific differences were noted in the importance of several variables for different grade levels. Similarly, there were some differences in response according to some student background characteristics.