science-and-psychology3.77 min read
Unveiling the Satisfying Phenomenon of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response
1 year ago•Source: PsyPost
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4.83 min•1 year ago
"The Science of Forgetfulness: Unraveling the Big Idea"
Our brains are designed to forget the majority of what we experience in a day, and this is actually beneficial. Episodic memory, the ability to recall past events, allows us to mentally time travel, relive past experiences, and consider the future. As we age, episodic memory declines, but this may be a natural part of our brain's evolution, with younger adults needing sharper memory for survival and elders focusing on passing down wisdom. Understanding the purpose of forgetfulness can provide comfort, as it suggests that our brains are functioning as they evolved to do.
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More Science And Psychology Stories
"The Surprising Truths About Memory"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Gizmodo
Memories are far from perfect, with many people recalling implausible childhood memories and even forming false memories. Studies have shown that it's easy to create false memories in others, and even our first impressions can be flawed. The infamous Satanic Panic of the 1980s and 1990s was fueled by repressed and recovered traumatic childhood memories. However, there are ways to reverse false memories and boost memory, such as the "method of loci." Animals, including bats and even simple lifeforms like roundworms, also exhibit memory capabilities, with both cats and dogs able to recall events from their lives.
"The Science of Facial Perception: Interactive Chart Decodes Your Facial Impressions"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Daily Mail
A study reveals that facial features such as eyebrows, mouth, face shape, and jawline can convey hidden details of a person's personality. Raised eyebrows are associated with trustworthiness and warmth, while down-turned mouths are perceived as cold and untrustworthy. Facial width-to-height ratio is linked to dominance and aggression, and eye movements can indicate optimism or neuroticism. These findings suggest that our faces play a significant role in shaping how we are perceived by others.
"The Science Behind the Profound Impact of Post-Midnight Conversations"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Forbes
Late-night conversations often feel profound due to heightened emotional intimacy, greater honesty and vulnerability, philosophical depth, and a sense of timelessness and freedom. Science suggests that the surge in dopamine during late hours, combined with the effects of sleep deprivation, creates a unique cognitive environment where our brains are more receptive to new ideas, emotions, and perspectives. While these conversations offer enriching experiences, it's important to balance them with the need for sleep to maintain overall well-being.
"Scientist Parents' Extraordinary Adoption of Chimpanzee as Baby's Sister Ends Bitterly"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Daily Mail
In 1931, psychologist parents Winthrop and Luella Kellogg attempted to raise their son alongside a chimpanzee named Gua in a nature versus nurture experiment, but abandoned it after nine months due to chilling changes in their son's behavior. The experiment involved cruel tests and attempts to teach Gua human behaviors, but ultimately failed to humanize her. The study concluded that there are limits to the humanization of non-human species. Tragically, their son Donald later took his own life at the age of 43, and Gua died in captivity after contracting pneumonia.
"The Deceptive Formula of Blue Monday Exposed"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by BBC.com
The concept of Blue Monday, supposedly the most depressing day of the year, is based on a hoax equation and has been widely criticized as pseudoscience. Originally created as a marketing ploy, the idea has been debunked by mental health experts, who emphasize the importance of addressing depression and mental well-being with evidence-based approaches rather than relying on arbitrary calculations.
"The Science Behind Our Sixth Sense: Understanding How We Sense When Someone Is Watching Us"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Daily Mail
A leading biologist, Dr. Rupert Sheldrake, explains the phenomenon of sensing when someone is looking at you, a sensation experienced by over 80% of women and nearly three-quarters of men. Through experiments and case studies, Dr. Sheldrake suggests that the sense of being watched is directional, indicating that it may be related to the weak electromagnetic field around our bodies. He proposes that our own electromagnetic field registers a disturbance when someone looks at us, and this information is subconsciously picked up by our "biofield." Additionally, Dr. Sheldrake explores the extramission theory of vision, which suggests that we project visual images outward, potentially explaining how we can sense when we're being observed. The scientific evidence for this phenomenon is growing, and further research is needed to fully understand how humans and animals know when they are being watched.
The Science Behind Hypnagogia: Exploring Sleep Hallucinations
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Forbes
Hypnagogia, the transitional state between sleep and wakefulness, often involves experiencing hallucinations such as visual, auditory, and sensory perceptions. Approximately 70% of the population experiences hypnagogic hallucinations, with visual hallucinations being the most common. Hypnagogia is distinct from dreaming, parasomnia, or sleep paralysis and is considered a normal form of hallucination. Certain individuals, particularly those with poor sleep quality or mood/anxiety disorders, are more prone to hypnagogia. However, hypnagogia also offers a unique opportunity for enhanced creativity and problem-solving. It can be intentionally induced through techniques like hypnosis, providing a controlled way to explore the mind's uncharted realms.
"Unveiling the Fascinating World of Pareidolia: Faces Hidden in Everyday Objects"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Laughing Squid
Duncan Clarke explores the phenomenon of Pareidolia, specifically why the human brain often sees faces in inanimate objects. He explains that our early exposure to faces and our innate social nature have trained our brains to be adept at recognizing and interpreting facial expressions. Clarke also discusses the psychology behind this phenomenon and offers amusing historical examples of how our cognitive systems automatically pattern match onto emotional states and identities of facial subjects.
The Thrill of Fear: Unraveling the Psychology Behind Enjoying Spooky and Scary Experiences
Originally Published 2 years ago — by ABC News
Doctors explain that fear can be enjoyable because it stimulates the same brain centers as happiness and is positively reinforced by social bonding. The body's fight-flight-or-freeze response releases stress hormones and neurotransmitters like adrenaline and dopamine. Seeking out scary experiences for fun is not abnormal, as the same part of the brain that reacts to fear also responds to pleasurable experiences. Once the immediate stressor is recognized as non-threatening, the adrenaline subsides, leaving a rush of dopamine and serotonin. Socialization enhances the fun of frightening experiences, as it triggers the release of oxytocin, making people feel closer to one another. However, not everyone enjoys thrill-seeking, and there are variations in the level of enjoyment experienced.
"Boost Critical Thinking and Memory Skills with a Foreign Language, Says UChicago Psychologist"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by CNBC
University of Chicago psychology professor David Gallo suggests that thinking in a foreign language can improve critical thinking, decision-making skills, and memory. Speaking a second language exercises the brain in a way that monolinguals don't experience, leading to more rational and logical decision-making. Processing information in a secondary language can also enhance memory and reduce susceptibility to false memories and misinformation. Gallo recommends leveraging this brain hack by thinking in a different language when faced with tough decisions or trying to remember information. Learning multiple languages, especially from a young age, can have long-term cognitive benefits.