The Intersection of Race, Gender, and Rap Music Perceptions: A Content Validation Study of the Rap-Music Attitude and Perception Scale

ObjectivesThis study examines the content validity of a newly developed measure, the Rap-Music Attitude and Perception (RAP) scale.MethodsUtilizing data from a racially diverse sample of undergraduate college students (N= 871), this investigation highlights an underutilized mixed method, qualitative–quantitative scale development approach, while investigating relationships between race, gender, and rap music views.FindingsResults indicate overlap between themes identified in participants' qualitative responses and RAP scale items. Furthermore, there were several within and between (race and gender) group differences in the endorsement of RAP scale items.ConclusionsImplications of these results support the utility of the RAP for examining perceptions of rap music and provide insight into how the intersection of race and gender relates to hip-hop music themes.

Prediction of Music Achievement in the Elementary School

This study examined several predictors of music achievement for general music students in the upper elementary grades: attitude toward music, self-concept in music, music background, academic achievement, and gender. Subjects were 144 fifth- and sixth-grade students in two Midwestern towns who received regularly-scheduled instruction from a music specialist. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the best single predictor of music achievement was the academic achievement test. The addition of the music attitude or self-concept measure produced a moderate increase in predictive power; the remaining variables were not effective predictors. The results of the study suggest that a teacher may be able to heighten music achievement by stressing music attitude or self-concept during music classes.