Does exposure to classical music (through instrument lessons or concert attendance) improve a child's scholastic performance? In a study, researchers measured the amount of exposure to classical music for a group of children, along with their scores on the state's academic proficiency exam. The response variable in this study is: the child's score on the state's proficiency exam. the type of instrument a child plays. the amount of exposure a child has to classical music. whether a child passed the state's proficiency exam.