A Study of Analytical and Critical Thinking Behaviors About Music

Abstract

The purposes of this study are 1) to study analytical and critical thinking behaviors about music of students aged 12 to 13; 2) to study the factors affecting children’s behaviors; and 3) to synthesize the classification of analytical and critical thinking behaviors about music. The research employed a qualitative case study approach. Data was collected from participant observation, video recording, field notes, interviews, and participants’ assignments. The results showed that analytical thinking behaviors were classified into two levels: 1) single musical concept and 2) superficial reasoning. Critical thinking behaviors were classified into three levels: 1) several musical concepts; 2) superficial reasoning; and 3) logical reasoning. Three main factors affecting participants’ behaviors were instruction methods, attitudes, and motivations. Five levels of analytical and critical thinking behaviors about music were synthesized: unpresented data, single musical concept, several musical concepts, superficial reasoning, and logical reasoning.