NEWS: Hip Hop Fans Are Outgoing, Jazz Fans Are Creative Says New Survey

According to a study of more than 36,000 people from around the world, conducted by Professor Adrian North of Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland, musical tastes are closely related to personality type.

The survey, which is said to be the largest study of it's kind ever undertaken, suggested that fans of classical music tended to be shy, while on the other end of the spectrum Hip Hop listeners are bold, brash and brimming with self-confidence. Dance music fans are said to be equally outgoing and afable.

Meanwhile, heavy metal listeners are said to be gentle and at ease with themselves, jazz fans are "creative and have good self-esteem" and indie rock afficiandos are depressed and unkempt slackers.

The 36,000 participants who took part in the survey were asked to rate 104 musical styles, while also being questioned about aspects of their personality.

Speaking about the survey, which Professor North described as "significant" and "surprising," he said that "we have always suspected a link between music taste and personality. This is the first time that we've been able to look at it in real detail. No-one has ever done this on this scale before."

He went on to say "if you know a person's music preference you can tell what kind of person they are, who to sell to. There are obvious implications for the music industry who are are worried about declining CD sales."

Proffessor North, who is head of the university's department of applied psychology, is hoping to continue his research, looking for participants to take part in a short online questionnaire.