APFCC+-+Schlaug+et+al

Theorist: Schlaug et al. Study of: Size of the corpus collosum and absolute pitch. Year: 1990
 * Aim: To see whether there was a correlation between possessing absolute pitch and the size and shape of brain structures ||
 * Procedures:
 * Used the MRI to compare the size of brain structures.
 * Participants consisted of 30 non-musicians, 19 professional musicians, and 11 professional musicians with absolute pitch. ||
 * Findings:
 * The corpus collosum was found to be larger in professional musicians in comparison to those who were not musicians.
 * In professional musicians with absolute pitch, the planum temporale, which is a section of the auditory cortex, was found to have an enlarged asymmetry to its left size. ||
 * Conclusions:
 * The differences between the sizes of brain structures in the three groups support the idea that the brain uses localisation of functions, and that absolute pitch may be the result, or the cause of certain brain structure sizes and shapes. ||
 * Criticisms:
 * Gender was not taken into consideration, and so the inequality of sexes may have influenced the data because of brain size differences between the genders.
 * Sample size was limiting, which makes it difficult to generalise to the wider population
 * The conclusion may have showed a correlation, but there is the inability to determine whether absolute pitch caused the development of a left side enlarged asymmetry, or if it was the result.
 * The study provides us with an understanding that there exists a link between biological factors and absolute pitch. ||