Subjects in music education research: 1991-2005

The purpose of this study, which replicated Kratus's 1992 study, was to determine what subject populations were studied most within music education research from 1991-2005. Specifically, the researchers asked, 1) with what frequency do music education researchers study subjects of various ages and musical backgrounds and 2) have there been changes in the past 15 years (1991-2005) regarding the subjects employed in music education research? The articles in: Journal of Research in Music Education, Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education, and Contributions to Music Education were analyzed for the period 1991-2005. Musically select College-Undergraduates remain the most studied population. However, results show that researchers are now directing their attention to other previously less-studied subjects. Though slight changes have occurred, researchers should continue to ensure that accessibility of subjects is not a primary factor when selecting research subjects.