Hal McDonald Ph.D.

Understanding the Nostalgic Brain

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.

Turn Down the Volume to Turn Down the Pain

New research shows that listening to music can help reduce pain, but only if the music is played at a low volume.

New research shows that listening to music can help reduce pain, but only if the music is played at a low volume.

Why We Remember More When We Read on Paper

A new study suggests that sighing may be the key to the superiority of paper over electronic texts for reading comprehension.

A new study suggests that sighing may be the key to the superiority of paper over electronic texts for reading comprehension.

To Show or to Tell When Speaking?

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.

Music to Our Ears

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.

Time Is in the Eye of the Beholder

A recent study shows that gazing into someone else’s eyes causes us to underestimate the passage of time.

A recent study shows that gazing into someone else’s eyes causes us to underestimate the passage of time.