Can musical preferences serve as a clue to a person's character? Can music be used as a vehicle for self-expression? The article “The Content and Validity of Music Genre Stereotypes Among College Students” by Peter J. Rentfrow and Samuel D. Gosling said yes. In the article, 206 undergraduate students from the Austin Tax University participated in the research. To examine the associations that individuals naturally make with fans of different musical styles, participants were divided into groups and randomly assigned to rate the personal characteristics, values, and alcohol and drug preferences of one's prototypical fan. of the fourteen selected pieces of music. The selection of musical genres includes classical, rock, jazz etc. and is based on previous research. The researchers chose a new sample to test its validity. By analyzing the data with statistical methods, the researchers found that "there are robust and specific stereotypes associated with different musical genres" (317). Based on the findings, the researchers suggested that “musical stereotypes might be used to form a valid impression of others” (321) and that “individuals engage in a reflexive process of remembering and constructing their own identity while listening to the music, which can serve as a form of self-affirmation as discovery” (322). I totally agreed with Rentfrow and Gosling's research. I agreed that stereotypes about musical genres can give a valid impression of others and that individuals build one's identity partly on the basis of musical styles. Generally, stereotypes about musical genres can give a valid impression of others. Commonly, the pop music is popular among teenagers and...... middle of paper... personalities corresponding to musical genres fit most of my and my friend's character, and we can conclude that identities are partly defined through musical genres. In a word, we can define our identity, at least partially, through musical genres. In conclusion, stereotyping means generalizing qualities, characters, etc. common to a group. The favors of different individuals due to their culture, religious beliefs, education and experiences, so stereotype is a good tool to express oneself and define identities. Although stereotypes can lead others to have valid knowledge about you, you will make things worse if you don't want others to know about you, or you will be deceived if others pretend another stereotype. Stereotypes can be harmful if overused. Works Cited "The content and validity of musical genre stereotypes among college students""