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Time Travelling with Apollo

Literature, neuroscience, and the constructive brain.

Memory
Why Random Memories Flash Into Our Heads

Hal McDonald Ph.D. on January 29, 2024

A psychologist's daily commute sheds new light on how often we're struck by involuntary autobiographical memories and the surprising things that trigger them.

A psychologist's daily commute sheds new light on how often we're struck by involuntary autobiographical memories and the surprising things that trigger them.

Motivation
Why It's OK to Be Chatty

Hal McDonald Ph.D. on August 15, 2022

New research shows that, contrary to conventional wisdom, people are seen as more likable if they talk more than the other person in a conversation.

New research shows that, contrary to conventional wisdom, people are seen as more likable if they talk more than the other person in a conversation.

Confidence
"Don't Confuse Me With the Facts"

Hal McDonald Ph.D. on July 29, 2022

The people who most strongly oppose scientific consensus on a complex issue tend to be the least knowledgeable about it, but are most confident in their understanding.

The people who most strongly oppose scientific consensus on a complex issue tend to be the least knowledgeable about it, but are most confident in their understanding.

Memory
Understanding the Nostalgic Brain

Hal McDonald Ph.D. on July 22, 2022

A proposed "neural model of nostalgia" explores what’s going on in our brains when we’re reliving happy moments from our past.

A proposed "neural model of nostalgia" explores what’s going on in our brains when we’re reliving happy moments from our past.

Intelligence
To Show or to Tell When Speaking?

Hal McDonald Ph.D. on February 7, 2022

New research suggests that whether we use direct or indirect language when addressing other people may depend upon the "psychological distance" between us.

New research suggests that whether we use direct or indirect language when addressing other people may depend upon the "psychological distance" between us.

Depression
Music to Our Ears

Hal McDonald Ph.D. on November 8, 2021

A recent study suggests that the “natural” association of major chords with positive emotions and of minor chords with negative emotions is determined by cultural music conventions.

A recent study suggests that the “natural” association of major chords with positive emotions and of minor chords with negative emotions is determined by cultural music conventions.

Neuroscience
Mind-Melding With Our Favorite Fictional Characters

Hal McDonald Ph.D. on April 19, 2021

A recent study suggests that when we immerse ourselves in the point of view of a character in a book or movie, we use the same “neural machinery” we use when we think about ourselves.

A recent study suggests that when we immerse ourselves in the point of view of a character in a book or movie, we use the same “neural machinery” we use when we think about ourselves.

Loneliness
Using Nostalgia to Cope With COVID

Hal McDonald Ph.D. on April 11, 2020

Research suggests that nostalgia can help us cope with the emotional stresses that troubled times can inflict on us.

Research suggests that nostalgia can help us cope with the emotional stresses that troubled times can inflict on us.

Gratitude
Think Twice Before Saying "Thanks"

Hal McDonald Ph.D. on December 13, 2019

The simple act of saying “thank you” may make us prey for the powerful by robbing us of our will to protest injustice, recent research finds.

The simple act of saying “thank you” may make us prey for the powerful by robbing us of our will to protest injustice, recent research finds.