And here is a link to the original research from Emory University on brain connectivity: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3868356/
Friday, January 10, 2014
"The Neuroscience of Your Brain on Fiction"
Here is the link to "The Neuroscience of Your Brain on Fiction" by Annie Murphy Paul.
What did you find most interesting in this article? Did you learn
anything new? Is there anything in this article that might change the
way you think about fiction?
Also, here is an article that supplement's Paul's article, just for fun....if reading articles about the brain and fiction is your idea of fun: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-athletes-way/201401/reading-fiction-improves-brain-connectivity-and-function
And here is a link to the original research from Emory University on brain connectivity: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3868356/
And here is a link to the original research from Emory University on brain connectivity: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3868356/
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I never thought literature and our mind could share such a strong connection. Now that I think of it though, whenever I'm reading a book that I enjoy, and there's a fight or an intense exchange of emotion between two characters, I almost feel as if it's happening right in front of me, because I'm so into the book. Does anyone else experience the same thing when you're reading a book that you really like?
ReplyDelete- Bryson M
I had the same thought cross my mind as well. I can remember vividly the strong emotional connection that I have had with different characters over the years. We become so attached to characters that our attitude towards the author is dictated by how well the story is playing out for them. When things are going well we treat the author as a genius for creating such a wonderful story. When things aren't going well we think the author has ruined the story and then we come up with our own version of how the story should go. We have all had that conversation with somebody at one point or another.
Delete-Dusty Hinze
That happens to me with many books, but especially when a character feels hopeless or miserable. I really connect with those emotions the best because we've all been there at some point in our lives and it brings me back. I'm also a person who cares a lot about other people's feelings, so that might also be why.
Delete-Cailyn H.
Of course. That is part of the simulation theory that Dr. Oatley and Mar talked about. I believe people like movies for the same reason. We put ourselves into our favorite character's body and become the character. I feel this is why people sometimes cry after movies or books.
Delete-Cimmarron L.
It was crazy how the sensory words in the article actually came so alive for me while I was reading about the idea of them activating our brains. Which sensory word in the article made you connect the most with your own senses? (The words like lavender, perfume, coffee, velvet, etc.) It was cinnamon for me!!
ReplyDelete-Cailyn H.
For some reason it was coffee for me.
ReplyDelete- Bryson M.
All the words that were related to sense of smell did for me. I felt as those I was smelling lavender or cinnamon as I was reading.
DeleteIt's nice to know that I'm not the only one who gets attached to the characters in every book I read. But the article didn't say anything about it being normal to be sad when you finish a book..
ReplyDeleteI agree. I love it when I get so connected to a character it makes me feel like I know them personally.
Delete-Hope F.
Yeah I feel the same way when I find a book I can really get into. The characters problems then become my problems and I am strongly attached to what the outcome is.
ReplyDelete-Amos Pierce
Amos,
DeleteI feel the same way! After I get done reading a good book, I almost feel lonely because I got to attached to those certain characters! Lame I know.
Kaylee C
This article was extremely interesting in the fact that it talked about empathy and the connection to reading. I believe that reading only strengthens the traits that we have. Does anybody have an different ideas to reading and its connection to empathy?
ReplyDelete-Hope F.
I know the article is mainly about the positive effects of reading fiction starting with neurological and social benefits. I myself use reading fiction as a chance to escape from life, but to also be the hero when we so often are not. My question is do any of you use reading for a different purpose? and what is it?
ReplyDelete-Cimmarron L.
I enjoyed this article a lot because I think that people really do use reading as an escape from the real world and to be the hero for a moment. Do you guys agree with this?
ReplyDelete-Jonathan Mifflin
I agree with you. I use reading as an escape from life. What do you think is the best place to find and book and read?
DeleteMadeline Meyer
Madeline, Barnes and Noble is my favorite book store! Personally I like to be alone where it is quite to read.
DeleteKaylee C
I agree as well. People love to escape from the real world and go into their own imaginative world from reading fiction.
Delete