Natural talent vs. hard work? Which do humans prefer?
Tuesday, May 21, 2024. This is for VF.
The naturally talented hold a special place in people’s minds.
Those with superior innate abilities are automatically preferred over hard workers — even when their achievements are similar.
For example, professional musicians prefer a musical performance by someone described as talented over that of a hard worker (Schulz, 1994).
This bias persists despite all participants listening to exactly the same performance.
Participants in that study even predicted a brighter future for the musician described as talented over the hard worker!
Do children prefer talent?
Even children as young as five prefer naturals to strivers, a study finds. The bias emerges in children as young as five, but fades with age.
Ms. Mary Shaocong Ma, the study’s first author, said:
“Given the value we place on achievement, how we assess and perceive achievements matters. Our research implies an early-emerging hidden bias toward individuals with different achievement trajectories.
Although natural talent and hard work are both considered essential ways to achieve, our findings suggest that people actually prefer talented naturals over hard workers, and this naturalness preference exists in childhood and endures into adulthood.”
This bias emerged despite the fact that the research was carried out in China, where effort is esteemed above natural talent.
However, this bias for the natural fades with age, Ms. Ma said:
“The bias can consequently impact children’s interactions with peers perceived as talented or hardworking as it can lead them to interact more with the naturally talented over hard workers. The apparent decrease of this preference with age also implies it may be more malleable than previously thought.”
How the study was conducted
The researcher’s conclusions come from two studies involving over 700 adults and children. The results showed that children perceived naturals as being more warm and competent than strivers.
Adults, though, only thought that naturals were more competent — it didn’t affect their judgment of a person’s warmth. Subsequently, children preferred to interact with the natural, whereas adults showed no preference.
Ms. Ma said:
“Our findings imply that parents and educators should guide children to properly view their own talent and effort, and to understand that both talent and effort can contribute to an equal level of achievement.
They should also guide their children to appreciate the competence and achievements of their peers who have achieved through different trajectories to promote an inclusive learning environment.”
Philosophical Musings on Talent and Bias
This bias towards natural talent raises several thought-provoking questions:
How does our preference for natural talent over hard work affect our appreciation of musicians who have dedicated years to honing their craft?
Can we learn to value effort and perseverance as much as we value innate ability?
How do cultural narratives around talent and effort shape our perceptions and interactions with musicians and other professionals?
Research has shown that our brains process music through various neural pathways, making the experience highly individualized. For instance, a study found that when participants listened to the same performance, their brains lit up in different regions. Some people might focus on the melody, while others are drawn to the rhythm or harmony.
"Music can change the world because it can change people," said Bono, lead vocalist of U2. This quote captures the essence of music's transformative power. It's not just about the notes being played; it's about how our minds interpret and respond to those notes.
Factors Influencing Musical Perception
Several factors can influence how we perceive music:
Emotional State: Our current mood can significantly affect our listening experience. A cheerful tune might lift your spirits, while a melancholic melody could resonate more deeply when you're feeling blue.
Cultural Background: Different cultures have unique musical traditions and preferences. What sounds harmonious to one person might seem dissonant to another.
Personal Experiences: Our particular life experiences shape our musical tastes. A song that reminds you of a cherished memory will likely evoke stronger emotions than one you've never heard before.
Personality Traits: Research suggests that personality traits can influence musical preferences. For example, extroverts may prefer energetic, upbeat music, while introverts might enjoy more mellow, reflective tunes.
A Symphony of Differences
One of the most intriguing aspects of musical perception is how it can create a shared yet distinct experience.
Imagine attending a concert with friends. You all listen to the same performance, yet each of you might describe it differently afterward. One friend might rave about the virtuosity of the violinist, while another praises the emotional depth of the cello.
"Music is the shorthand of emotion," wrote Leo Tolstoy. This quote highlights how music can encapsulate complex feelings in a way that words often cannot. It's no wonder that our experiences of music are so varied and personal.
Final thoughts
One of my clients (who ought to know, LOL) told me that where talent and hard work play crucial roles, our human biases tend to shape how we perceive and value musicians.
Understanding and addressing these biases, especially in educational settings, can help create a more inclusive and appreciative environment for all forms of achievement.
So, the next time you listen to your favorite song, remember that behind those notes lies a complex interplay of talent, effort, and perception.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
RESEARCH:
Ma, S., Tsay, J., & Chen, E. E. (2023). Preference for talented naturals over hard workers emerges in childhood and shapes behavior. Child Development, 94(3), 674-690. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13886
