Name:Katharina, Schaaf

School/Affiliation:Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics

Co-Authors:Franziska Degé

Virtual or In-person:Virtual

Short Bio:

Katharina Schaaf is currently a PhD student under supervision of Franziska Degé at the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics in Frankfurt am Main. She holds a Master’s degree in Psychology (University of Ulm). Most recently, she served as a tutor for research methods at the University of Ulm. Her research interests include the development of rhythmic abilities in childhood, children’s aesthetic development and musical creativity.

Abstract:

Despite growing recognition of rhythm’s role in language (Kertesz & Honbolygó, 2023), music (Frey et al., 2022), and cognitive development (Bentley et al., 2022), the internal structure and developmental trajectory of rhythmic abilities remain unclear. Although theoretical frameworks often distinguish rhythm into beat, meter, and pattern, their interrelations and developmental progression between ages 5 and 8 are still poorly understood.
This study aims to advance theoretical and empirical knowledge of rhythmic development by examining intraindividual growth, interrelations among rhythmic subskills, and their associations with motor and cognitive capacities (working memory, inhibitory control, auditory attention).
A nested longitudinal design with two waves (n = 200; children aged 5–7) is employed. Participants are assessed in school and early education settings using validated measures of rhythmic perception and production, complemented by motor and cognitive tasks. Rhythmic responses are recorded and transcribed using beat onset detection.
Data analysis proceeds in two stages: (1) structural equation modeling to identify the latent structure of rhythmic subskills and establish a taxonomy; and (2) cross-lagged panel modeling after the second wave to examine directional relationships over time between rhythmic components and control variables.
This comprehensive approach integrates multiple rhythmic dimensions within a longitudinal framework, providing novel insights into how rhythmic abilities develop, interact, and connect with broader cognitive and motor processes. The findings will inform theoretical models and guide targeted interventions in educational and developmental contexts.