Prof North said the research could have many uses in marketing, adding: "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.

"One of the most surprising things is the similarities between fans of classical music and heavy metal. They're both creative and at ease but not outgoing.

"The general public has held a stereotype of heavy metal fans being suicidally depressed and of being a danger to themselves and society in general. But they are quite delicate things."

More than 36,000 people from all over the world were asked to rate 104 musical styles and also questioned about aspects of their personality.

The study is continuing and Prof North, who is head of the university's department of applied psychology, is still looking for participants to take part in a short online questionnaire.

BLUES High self-esteem, creative, outgoing, gentle and at ease

Thelonius Monk

JAZZ High self-esteem, creative, outgoing and at ease

Nigel Kennedy

CLASSICAL MUSIC High self-esteem, creative, introvert and at ease

Public Enemy

RAP High self-esteem, outgoing

Aida

OPERA High self-esteem, creative, gentle

Dolly Parton

COUNTRY AND WESTERN Hardworking, outgoing

Linton Kwesi Johnson

REGGAE High self-esteem, creative, not hardworking, outgoing, gentle and at ease

Rave

DANCE Creative, outgoing, not gentle

Pete Doherty

INDIE Low self-esteem, creative, not hard working, not gentle

Dancers

BOLLYWOOD Creative, outgoing

Metallica

ROCK/HEAVY METAL Low self-esteem, creative, not hard-working, not outgoing, gentle, at ease

Kylie Minogue

CHART POP High self-esteem, not creative, hardworking, outgoing, gentle, not at ease

James Brown

SOUL High self-esteem, creative, outgoing, gentle, at ease

Source: Heriot-Watt University