Source: wvuafm.ua.edu

Have you ever spent money on an incredible experience, such as an unforgettable concert or a travel vacation? Hopefully, the answer to this question is yes. I have often heard that spending money on experiences is much more beneficial than spending money on possessions. However, I have always wondered… Is this really the case? After doing some research, I found that studies do indeed prove this to be true.

In a study designed by Ryan Howell of San Francisco State University, 154 university students were examined. The subjects were asked to answer questions about a purchase “they personally made in the last three months with the intention of making themselves happy.” After answering these questions, it was clear that those who spent money on an experience rather than a new possession demonstrated greater satisfaction and higher levels of long-term happiness.

One reason for this is that the “joy” of acquiring a possession will quickly fade. Often, the most exciting part of a new purchase is the fact that it is new. For example, when one purchases a new car, they are initially thrilled. Ultimately, however, you will see the car each day, and as its newness fades, it will become much less exciting. As expressed by countless psychologists, this is not the case with experiences. Not only do they provide the opportunity for learning valuable lessons, but they also allow for the development of long-lasting memories. This will have an incredibly powerful impact on long-term happiness.

It is also important to note that experiences are typically shared with other individuals, whether it be family members, friends, or a significant other. By purchasing an experience, we are making a valuable investment in relationships, which will make us much happier than any new possession ever could.

This video featuring Harvard Business School Professor Michael Norton explores the question further:

It is clear that experiences often make us emotionally healthier, having a true impact on our long-term happiness. They even have the power to open our minds and shape who we are as a person. These experiences can be even more powerful when they are shared with others. Therefore, if you soon find yourself with a little bit of extra money to spend… Consider an experience!

What do you think would happen if you left an ice cream sandwich outside on a hot, sunny day for over an hour? It seems as if the ice cream sandwich would melt, correct? Disturbingly enough, this is not the case for Walmart’s Great Value Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream Sandwiches. Christie Watson, a mother, was the one who initially discovered this shocking truth. Her son left a Walmart ice cream sandwich on the patio, and despite the fact that it was sitting there for hours on end, it never did fully melt.

Here is a video of one man’s small experiment, demonstrating the shocking outcome of leaving one of Walmart’s ice cream sandwiches outside in the sun for an extended period of time.

In regards to their ice cream sandwiches, a Walmart spokesperson released the following statement: “Great Value ice cream sandwiches melt. Ice cream melts based on the ingredients including cream. Ice cream with more cream will generally melt at a slower rate, which is the case with our Great Value ice cream sandwiches.”

So why exactly is it that this sandwich barely melted? Despite all of the worried consumers of these ice cream sandwiches, many articles declare that this behavior is not so abnormal. The rate at which ice cream melts depends largely upon the ingredients that it contains. Guar gum, a polysaccharide used in many foods, stabilizes thawing and becomes thicker in combination with water. In the ice cream sandwich, this ingredient is combined with calcium sulfate, which traps moisture. It seems that these ingredients are combined merely for the benefit of the eater, preventing a messy eating experience.

One article states the following: “There are no scary chemicals at work here and no secret preservatives that will give you cancer. Walmart’s ice cream sandwiches make use of very simple, common food science and chemistry to keep your hands from getting sticky. That’s it.”

The FDA does indeed state that ice cream sandwiches containing similar ingredients (corn syrup and “gums”) are safe to eat.

It is also important to note that ice cream sandwiches are intentionally made differently than regular ice cream out of a container. Ice cream sandwiches typically contain thicker and creamier ice cream, making them both easier to produce and easier to eat.

So, is it frightening that Walmart’s ice cream sandwiches are so slow to melt? Or is it just a harmless example of chemistry at work? I suppose there are different opinions.

Source: blog.shareaholic.com

Let’s face it… At some point in our lives, we have all received compliments. Personally, I find that the smallest of compliments can make my day, and they really mean a lot to me long after they are said. The sincerity of compliments can be significant, but are compliments and praise truly powerful enough to impact those who receive them?

Interestingly enough, one study shows that those who receive compliments are capable of demonstrating increased levels of performance. Professors from a variety of institutes carried out this study in order to determine the impact of praise on those receiving it. In the study, subjects were required to carry out a finger pattern by pushing a series of keys as quickly as possible. The study consisted of forty-eight adults divided into three different groups. The first group received compliments on their task from an evaluator. The second group watched compliments being given to other subjects, while the third group was responsible for determining on their own how well they carried out their task (this was based on a generated graph). The subjects returned a day later to perform the same task again. The results clearly demonstrated that the group that received compliments from the evaluator demonstrated the highest performance levels. This further supports the beneficial power of compliments and consistent praise.

Professor Sadato, one of the team members for this study, declared, “To the brain, receiving a compliment is as much a social reward as being rewarded money. We’ve been able to find scientific proof that a person performs better when they receive a social reward after completing an exercise.”

Another study demonstrates how compliments can contribute significantly to one’s self-esteem. The subjects within this study consisted of forty-eight college students (twenty-four males and twenty-four females). Half of the males and half of the females were given a subtle compliment. Following this, the subjects completed a questionnaire about “self-perceived attractiveness.” The results of the study made it clear that the compliment did indeed have a significant effect on the self-esteem of the subjects.

Compliments clearly serve as a motivational force for those who receive them. Psychology Today has a number of suggestions for giving compliments and praise in the most effective way possible. The most important characteristic of an effective compliment is that it is sincere. This means that the person giving the compliment is doing so for a genuine purpose as opposed to doing so merely for their own benefit or personal gain. It is also important to ensure that praise is given in a respectful manner. Compliments in accordance with these guidelines will have a long-lasting impact on whoever they are intended for!

Source: junkfoodbetty.com

The song from the Arby’s “Good Mood Food” campaign is constantly stuck in my head. Maybe it’s the rhyming words, or maybe it’s just the catchy tune. Either way, I walk around singing it much more often than I should. This recently led me to wonder… How much does food truly impact our mood?

Research shows that certain foods do indeed have the power to greatly improve one’s mood. For example, according to a CNN article, chocolate is definitely proven to have a positive influence. This is due to the fact that cocoa boosts levels of serotonin, which is the same thing that antidepressants aim to do. The Journal of Psychopharmacology published a study in which some of the subjects, seventy-two men and women between the ages of 45 and 60 years old, drank a dark chocolate drink once daily for 30 days. Those who drank the chocolate drink claimed to be much calmer and more content than those who did not consume the chocolate drink.

Another food that has been shown to improve one’s mood is a banana. Because one banana alone can contain up to 10 milligrams of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for controlling pleasure in the brain, it can positively enhance one’s mood.

Although there are many foods that are greatly beneficial to one’s mood, there are also certain foods that one should avoid due to their negative influence. Sugar can be extremely detrimental to one’s mood if it is consumed excessively. Because sugar consumption can cause one’s blood sugar to rise and fall, it can lead to feelings of energy loss as well as severe mood swings. Processed foods are also dangerous, as they are often high in trans fat and unhealthy additives. These foods are quite draining to the human body, resulting in a noticeably worse mood.

There are several dietary steps that we can take in order to improve our moods. For example, eating a balanced breakfast is proven to have positive effects that go beyond mood improvement. Regularly eating breakfast can lead to higher levels of energy, as well as an improved memory. However, breakfast is not the only important meal. It is suggested that we eat balanced meals regularly in order to feel energized and in order to positively influence our mood. Keri Gans, an author and registered dietician, compares skipping out on meals to “trying to run a car without gas.”

Maybe there is such a thing as “good mood food” after all. However, I’m not so sure if unhealthy fast food such as Arby’s truly fits that description!

Source: tetrisaxis.nintendo.com

Tetris is by far my favorite game to play. I could spend hours a day rotating the colorful blocks in hopes of eliminating as many horizontal rows as possible. I have been playing this game for years, and I have always wondered about the scientific and psychological impacts of games such as Tetris.

According to one article titled The Neuroscience of Tetris, the game serves as good exercise for the brain by improving overall brain efficiency. One study used an MRI to scan the brains of its twenty-six subjects, who were adolescent females between the ages of 12 and 15 years old. During the study, one group of subjects played Tetris for 30 minutes a day, while others did not play Tetris at all. Three months later, an MRI was used to scan the brains of its subjects after this consistent practice (or lack thereof). Those who played Tetris regularly over the course of the three months seemed to have thicker gray matter, or tissue in the brain that is linked to memory and brain efficiency.

It seems that playing Tetris regularly should improve problem-solving and the cognitive abilities of one’s brain, as playing the game consistently appears to result in a thicker cortex. However, there are some slight problems with this study. First of all, the study focused solely on adolescent females. The reason for this is that adolescents are undergoing a significant amount of brain development during this period of their lives. Also, females were chosen in an attempt to minimize previous experience with playing video games. However, in order to ensure that this study is reliable as possible, it would help to have a larger sample size containing subjects of a wider variety of characteristics (different genders, different age groups, etc.).

It is clear that Tetris seems to greatly improve efficiency, and it clearly increases brain activity. However, why exactly is it so addictive to the countless players of the game? One theory suggests that people simply enjoy organizing and “tidying up” the blocks. Many Tetris players gain satisfaction from successful problem-solving, rotating the falling blocks in order to make the rows disappear. Naturally, the human mind is satisfied when tasks are accomplished and goals are achieved.

A Plymouth University study even suggests that playing Tetris can reduce unhealthy cravings, even if the game is only played for a relatively short period of time. Examples of these cravings include (but are not limited too) alcohol, cigarettes, or even unhealthy foods. The psychologists involved in carrying out this study suggest that the “visual stimulation” that Tetris provides serves as a distraction from the cravings, which typically only last for a few minutes. When players are involved in Tetris, they are focused on the visual and cognitive aspects of the game as opposed to visualizing whatever craving they initially had. This persists until the craving disappears altogether.

It is clear that Tetris is more than merely a simple game. While Tetris provides entertainment, it also has a remarkable power to influence the brain and its activity.

Source: scopeblog.stanford.edu

We all have our favorite smells: freshly-cut grass, warm chocolate cookies straight from the oven, or crisp, clean sheets straight out of the dryer. But what gives these smells the power to evoke feelings of nostalgia or forgotten memories?

Research shows very early evidence of olfactory memory. Biopsychologist Julie Mennella created a study which tested the early development of a relationship between smell and memory. This study involved women during their last trimester of pregnancy as well as during the early stages of breastfeeding. Some of these women were given carrot juice, while another group of women was given water. When their babies grew old enough to eat cereal, some of the babies were given cereal made with carrot juice, while another group was given cereal made with water. According to the Association for Psychological Science (APS), “The babies who’d had prenatal exposure to carrot juice made fewer nasty faces while eating the carroty cereal and seemed to eat more, too.”

This study demonstrates that a clear connection between smell and memory begins to develop before we even enter the world. Several studies show that the most powerful links between smells and memories are developed before the age of five. This is because during this time period, we encounter countless new smells for the first time. For example, the smell of chlorine may lead one to remember days spent at the pool or childhood memories of summer.

How exactly does this happen? According to HowStuffWorks, the ability of smells to evoke memories and emotions is largely due to the olfactory bulb and its relationship to certain areas of the brain. The olfactory bulb has access to the amygdala, a structure in the brain responsible for the processing of emotions. The bulb is also closely linked to the hippocampus, the brain structure responsible for organizing memories through association.

The link between smells and memories is also due to the development of a conditioned response as the result of encountering a new smell. When we first encounter a new smell, our brain associates it with a specific experience or moment in time. Later on, when we encounter the same smell over again, there is already an existing link between the smell and the memory that we previously associated with it.

Smells have the remarkable power to bring back vivid memories of life experiences; through the rediscovery of these memories, smells also have the capability of influencing our mood and emotions. I was amazed to discover that something as simple as a smell has the ability to reopen an entire world of memories. As one New York Times article describes it, the nose truly is “an emotional time machine.”

Enormous heights, sharp turns, stomach-lurching drops… These are only part of the fear and excitement involved with riding a roller coaster. How exactly do roller coasters work, and what psychological effects do they have on those who choose to ride them?

Source: http://www.newyorknewyork.com/attractions/the-roller-coaster.aspx

There is a significant amount of physics involved in the operation of roller coasters. In short, the energy of a roller coaster is always changing. As a roller coaster climbs up a large hill, it builds up what is known as potential energy. The coaster’s potential energy reaches its maximum at the top of the hill. This energy is then released when the roller coaster descends; at this point in time, it is known as kinetic energy. Throughout the process in which the roller coaster is climbing and descending, gravity is constantly pushing downward on the cars of the coaster. An article on HowStuffWorks further explains the complicated physics behind roller coasters. Click here to view an animation that illustrates the changes in potential and kinetic energy.

Although the physics behind roller coasters is extremely interesting, I found the psychological aspects of the ride to be much more intriguing. I have always wondered, why are we attracted to the thrill and fear that roller coasters tend to provide? According to Frank Farley, a psychologist at Temple University, many of those who enjoy riding roller coasters experience an otherwise stressful or strictly-controlled lifestyle. For many, the coaster is capable of providing an escape… A break from the monotony of daily life.

Other psychologists suggest that riding a roller coaster is an experience in which riders can challenge themselves. At the conclusion of the roller coaster, the rider may feel as if they have accomplished something, such as overcoming a deep fear. It is often difficult for us to challenge ourselves and escape our comfort zone. However, although it may be extremely frightening during the process, riding a roller coaster is ultimately a safe way to challenge ourselves.

Lastly, many are attracted to roller coasters simply because they are naturally thrill-seeking. Many enjoy the sensation of the adrenalin rush that comes with riding a roller coaster or other amusement park rides. For many, the concept of “controlled danger” is appealing. It has also been proven that many are even more attracted to the feeling that occurs after the roller coaster concludes. A hormone known as noradrenaline is released in order to restore the body back to normal, resulting in feelings of pleasure and peace.

For many, roller coasters are a bonding experience. Whether one chooses to ride with a family member, a friend, or a significant other, sharing the thrill-packed experience of a roller coaster can bring people closer together.

Riding a roller coaster demonstrates a variety of concepts in physics and psychology. It is clear that roller coasters are capable of serving as a valuable and positive experience for riders around the world.

Chameleons are widely known for their unique ability to change color. However, while most people believe that chameleons do so for the purpose of blending in with their surroundings, this is not necessarily the case. Factors that influence color change include light, temperature, and the chameleon’s current mood. More often than not, chameleons will change color in order to attract attention, whether it be to communicate their mood or to assert their level of interest in other chameleons.

How is it that chameleons change color, and why do they go about doing so?

Source: http://blogs.ft.com/photo-diary/tag/chameleon/

Chameleons are able to change color due to a kind of cell known as a chromatophore. A chromatophore is a special type of pigment-containing cell. There are three main types of these cells existing in layers beneath the chameleon’s skin. Xanthophores, consisting of red and yellow pigments, make up the upper layers of cells. The lower layers consist of iridophores, which contain a colorless substance and platelets capable of reflecting light. Also found within the deeper layers, the melanin that is present within melanophores is crucial to the process of color change.

According to HowStuffWorks, a muscle capable of constricting and expanding surrounds each cell. When chromatophores of a certain pigment are constricted and cells of all other pigments are relaxed, the chameleon is capable of changing its color. Color change also depends upon the platelets within the iridophores, as these platelets have the ability to scatter and reflect light in different ways.

One Live Science article describes how chameleons change color in response to conditions such as temperature. For example, if a chameleon spends an extended period of time in the sun, their chromatophores will contract. This contraction will allow the darker pigment to subside, and it will be replaced by a lighter color that reflects the sun’s rays as opposed to absorbing them. This will cool the chameleon down.

Why exactly do chameleons change color? Again, according to Live Science, one reason may be to communicate their mood. For example, a Panther Chameleon turns a bright red color when angry; this also acts as a warning to other chameleons. Chameleons may also change color due to their desire for mating. For example, male chameleons often turn brighter colors in order to attract the attention of female chameleons. Certain female chameleons are also capable of changing colors when they are pregnant, sending a signal to males that they are unavailable and uninterested. These examples demonstrate how chameleons frequently use their color-changing abilities as a valuable form of communication.

The ability to change color is a unique attribute that allows chameleons to respond to changes in temperature and light. This color-changing ability is also critical in terms of communication with other chameleons. It is a common misconception that chameleons change color for the purpose of camouflage; in fact, more often than not, it is actually for opposite reasons!

Source: http://www.lizardtypes.com/chameleon-pictures/chameleon-picture12/

Let’s face it: These days, especially with the help of technology, music is all around us. Whether it be through our smartphones, our computers, or another format, it has become much easier over time to gain access to the musical realm. Personally, I find it nearly impossible to walk to class without the motivational mood-lift that music always seems to provide.

I am absolutely in love with music, and I listen to it almost constantly. As I am writing this post, Bankrupt! by Phoenix, one of my favorite albums, is playing through a pair of old earphones… I’m going off on a bit of a tangent now, but if you’ve never heard the album, give it a listen! You won’t be disappointed.

Source: wearephoenix.com

Because music is something that I have always been extremely passionate about, I decided to examine different aspects of music, as well as the powerful affects of music on the individual.

As shown in the following diagram, music plays a variety of roles, engaging multiple areas of the brain.

Source: http://blog.bufferapp.com/music-and-the-brain

Interestingly enough, music has the ability to impact how we perceive the facial expressions of those around us. In a study examining music and emotion, subjects typically had different interpretations of neutral facial expressions depending on the type of music that they listened to beforehand. For example, those who listened to a sad piece of music were actually more likely to view a neutral expression as more of a sad one. This is only one of many examples that demonstrates the power of music and the tremendous influence that it exercises over our brains.

Another key characteristic of music is that it has the power to induce calm and relaxation. The American Psychological Association determined that music is one of the most effective methods for reducing stress. An article by TIME describes evidence of classical music helping to relax listeners, as demonstrated by lower blood pressure readings.

According to WebMD, music also has a significant impact on exercise and athletic performance. By serving as a powerful source of motivation, music has the power to shift the focus from the physical demands of the exercise to the song that is being listened to. Unsurprisingly, this enhances performance tremendously. Sports psychology expert Costas Karageorghis, PhD, suggests that the most effective songs for exercise should be relatively similar to one’s heart rate. Songs that are either too fast or too slow are less likely to have a positive impact.

It has also been proven that angrier music may have a greater impact on performance and exercise. Feelings of anger resulting from this type of music give a sense of control, therefore providing us with a source of motivation and the power to shift our focus towards the goals we are trying to achieve.

Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, “Music… will help dissolve your perplexities and purify your character and sensibilities, and in time of care and sorrow, will keep a fountain of joy alive in you.” This insightful quotation remains true today, reflecting the various ways in which music can impact individuals. Music is capable of influencing our actions, perceptions, and thought processes. Whether it is serving as a source of relaxation or motivation, the power of music must not, under any circumstances, be underestimated.

For me, it is difficult to imagine a childhood without cartoons. I have fond memories of sitting in front of the television, chocolate milk in hand, my only care in the world being whether or not the Powerpuff Girls would be able to save the city of Townsville (spoiler alert: they always did).

During the 90s and early 2000s, I was a passive absorber of whatever images and information the television fed me. I took in the music, sound effects, and bright colors without giving any further thought to the underlying consequences and implications of the media that I was being exposed to.

Although I did not realize it at the time, it occurred to me recently that cartoons might have a greater impact on children than we realize. I wondered: How do the characters and events portrayed in cartoons impact the behavior, development, and overall psychological well-being of the children who are exposed to them?

According to an article by KidsHealth, “the average American child will witness 200,000 violent acts on television by age 18.”

As stated by the American Psychological Association, research shows that children who are exposed to violent media are much more likely to imitate similar violent behavior later in life. Through an observational study, psychologists L. Rowell Huesmann and Leonard Eron concluded that children with a greater exposure to television violence at the age of eight years old had a greater likelihood to gravitate towards aggressive behavior or harmful crimes during their teenage years and ultimately during adulthood.

Source: wallpapervortex.com

Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup, collectively known as the Powerpuff Girls, are called upon to protect the city of Townsville by fighting crime and conquering a variety of evildoers. However, in order to defeat the evil villains, the girls must resort to acts of force and violence. Animated television shows such as the Powerpuff Girls often receive complains and criticism, as they convey a message to children that violence is not only acceptable, but admired. Children begin to believe that violence can be used to obtain what they want, and when children see the so-called “heroes” or “good guys” using violence, they grow to view it as an effective method that yields positive results. Characters such as the Powerpuff Girls are never reprimanded for their acts of violence; in fact, they are viewed as heroic and are rewarded with recognition and praise.

Because the early years of a child’s life are a critical period in which the brain is undergoing a significant amount of development, television can have a larger impact than we realize. At this stage, children are not necessarily able to distinguish good from bad, right from wrong, and fantasy from reality. They readily accept the violence seen in the media, despite the fact that what is considered acceptable on television may not be consistent with the standards of acceptable behavior in real life.

It is clear that cartoon violence is capable of yielding dangerous consequences, and television exposure has a significant impact on children. However, we can productively use this information to benefit our future children, using the power of television and cartoons to educate and to promote positive behavior.

Hi! My name is Abigail Nelson. I am a freshman majoring in Media Studies, which is found in the College of Communications. I chose to enroll in this course because despite the fact that I do not particularly enjoy science, it sounded very interesting to me. I was intrigued by the course description, which referred to the class as “a science appreciation course.” I am not planning to be a science major because subjects such as chemistry and physics were always difficult for me to understand. Science was my weakest subject throughout high school; therefore, majoring in it would obviously be a poor choice. Although I previously found science to be both uninteresting and a bit of a struggle, I am confident that this course will change my opinion… It already has! One last thing: I love puns and corny jokes, so here is one of my favorites that is science-related.