Exploring conceptualisations of identity

This overarching project examines factors influencing musical and scientific identity, focusing on how people conceptualise musicians and scientists.

Musician and Scientist Prototypes

Researchers: Dr. Amanda Krause, Anthony Moles, Glen Duncan & Dr. Klaire Somoray
Status: Journal article forthcoming

How do people perceive musicians and scientists? As part of a larger investigation into musical and scientific identity, this study explores public conceptualisations of these roles. A sample of 564 participants (aged 17–84) responded to two open-ended questions: “How do you imagine a musician?” and “How do you imagine a scientist?” Their free-text responses provide insight into musician and scientist prototypes and how they may shape engagement with music and science.

Defining a Musician Stereotype?

Researchers: Dr. Amanda Krause & Anthony Moles
Presentation: SEMPRE Spring Conference, Royal Northern College of Music, 9–10 April 2025

Discipline-related stereotypes influence how individuals engage with and experience their fields. Research using the Draw-A-Scientist-Test (DAST) has revealed implicit biases, with most scientists being depicted as older, white men in lab coats. This study extends that approach, asking: what is the prevailing musician stereotype? By examining common perceptions of musicians, we aim to understand how stereotypes influence musical identity and career engagement.