ToPIX Call for Songs

The practice of using music to illustrate psychological concepts is not new (see ToP articles: Hughes, 1984; Leck, 2006; Potkay, 1982).  Recent work suggests that the practice is still alive and well in classrooms. Marin (2012) has asked her students to role play as American Idol contestants, choose a song related to a psychological concept, and provide the rationale for their decision.

It seems that a request for songs related to a particular chapter/unit hits listservs every few years. When general calls are made, impressive lists have resulted (see Ann Weber’s SPSP list here; see Rick Froman’s list from the PsychTeacher archives: subject “Compilation of songs used in psych classes”).

In the meantime, music fans may have sought out an online compendium (e.g., Intro Psych Resources), or a great site like The Songs of Psychology. Detailed postings on The Songs of Psychology site illustrate specifically how a song or particular lyrics relate to a psychological concept. Recent blog posts (“Psychology Songs” from Psych Your Mind) could also be helpful for instructors who seek to update their song lists with more current music.

Are you using music in the classroom? If so, please consider sharing with ToPIX.

Please email your favorite songs along with the concept illustrated to TOPIX@TeachPsych.org with subject: “TOPIX Song List.” Also, any comments on how you have used songs (or could use them) in the classroom would be helpful. All songs are welcomed, but we are particularly looking for recent songs (2007- present) to fill in the gaps of our working list.

The goal is to have an updated song list by the end of July and continue regular updates to the wiki throughout Fall 2012.

The work in progress can be found here. We hope you will join us in the fun this summer!

References

Hughes, R.L. (1984). Teaching concepts of personal adjustment using popular music. Teaching of Psychology, 11 (2), 115.

Leck, K. (2006). Teaching personality theories using popular music. Teaching of Psychology, 33 (1), 34-36.

Marin, A. J. (2012). Micro-activities in the classroom: When good teaching comes in small packages. In J. Holmes, S.C. Baker, & J. R. Stowell (Eds.), Essays from e-xcellence in teaching (Vol. 11, pp. 3-7). Retrieved from the Society for the Teaching of Psychology Web site: http://teachpsych.org/ebooks/eit2011/index.php

Potkay, C.R. (1982). Teaching abnormal psychology concepts using popular song lyrics. Teaching of Psychology, 9 (4), 233-234.