An exploratory evaluation of appraisal dimensions in emotional episodes induced by music

This study explores appraisal dimensions at a conceptual level in the context of music. It collects and refines several appraisal terms that have been applied to the study of appraisal mechanisms by different theories into a test battery for musical appraisal. Stimuli are collected from the DEAM data set (Aljanaki, Yang, and Soleymani 2017). This is representative of the whole affective space (core- affect) and consist of more and less stereotyped examples. It next tests the ability of the test battery of appraisal dimensions to distinguish a dataset of musical stimuli that vary in core-affect (valence and arousal). Following a comparison of different appraisal dimensions and a dimensional reduction by factor analysis, appraisals are grouped into three latent factors (Goal-congruence, Novelty, and Goal-relevance). These latent appraisal factors are modelled using linear mixed modelling to predict differences in core-affect and ratings of interest in the music. The results show that appraisals are strong predictors of ratings of valence and interest in musical stimuli. Specifically, appraisals of goal-congruence and goal- relevance are the strongest predictors. The results are discussed in the context of support for an appraisal model of musically-induced emotions and suggestions for further study into the role of goal-congruence and goal-relevance are made.