What does Meyer's expectancy theory specifically emphasize?

• A. Emotions arise when musical expectations are fulfilled or violated
• B. Emotions derive solely from lyrics
• C. Emotions are determined by instrument type
• D. Emotions are independent of expectation

Answer: (A)

Meyer’s expectancy theory centers on how listening to music involves forming expectations about what will come next, and how our emotions are produced when those expectations are fulfilled or violated. The idea is that we derive emotional meaning from the brain’s predictions about melody, harmony, rhythm, and texture, and the strength of the feeling depends on how strong the expectation was and how the outcome confirms or surprises us. When a musical phrase resolves as expected, a sense of closure and satisfaction often follows; when something unexpected occurs—a surprising chord change, an abrupt rhythm, a delayed resolution—it creates tension, curiosity, and heightened engagement, which can intensify emotion. This focus on anticipation and its fulfillment or breach explains why emotions in music arise from the dynamics of expectancy rather than from lyrics alone, instrument type, or independence from prediction.