MUSICAL PERCEPTION AND HEREDITY: ANALYSIS BETWEEN TWINS FROM NORTHERN MINAS GERAIS

Abstract

The genetic component plays a relevant role in determining various individual characteristics, ranging from physical attributes to behavioral traits. In this context, genetics and epigenetics are fundamental to human development. Heritability is widely studied for its influence on behavioral traits, such as musical preferences. This study aimed to examine the relationship between musical preferences and heritability, using a sample of monozygotic and dizygotic twins from Northern Minas Gerais, Brazil. Five musical preference variables were assessed in 28 pairs of monozygotic twins and 20 pairs of dizygotic twins. The results showed an average Kappa coefficient of .808 among monozygotic twins and .568 among dizygotic twins, suggesting that musical preferences are only moderately influenced by genetic factors. Although the overall average Kappa coefficient was .741, separate group analyses revealed notable differences between twin types. Additionally, the estimated mean heritability was 16.74%, classified as low, indicating that genetic factors play a limited role in explaining the variation in musical preferences. Environmental factors, especially shared environments, appear to have a predominant influence on this trait.