"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/
This article couldn't be more true. Whenever I read a fictitious book, especially fantasy, my mind is really good at imagining and almost feeling what is happening in the book. I love reading in that way because I can let go of the cares and emotions of our world for awhile and step into a new one. It's very enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteI agree. It's why it's so easy to get lost in a good book.
DeleteAmber B.
After reading this, I started thinking of why reading fiction would help us in our social lives. I myself have read quite a few fiction novels, and I do believe that they change the way you think by opening your mind by allowing you see it other perspectives. I think this is why it helps us analyze other people's body language and comments. Wouldn't you think that reading other forms of literature would do the same?
ReplyDeleteAmber B.
I guess this explains why reading fiction is so inspirational.
ReplyDeleteSo in the article it talks about how the part of our brain light up when we read about actions. I wish I could just think about working out, and it would work. Ben Nelson
ReplyDeleteI got everybody would love that
DeleteOften i wish i could just think and it would happen. Working out is one of my worst nightmares so if i could think about it and it would happen it would be awesome.
DeleteI've tried to test out that theory that you just have to think about it and it would happen. It seems to only work in the brain. Darn it.
DeleteI do believe in the what the article is saying. What got my attention is when, they tell us that readers get information about a action and can repeat it. Readers who read a book that said how to drive a manual car, could drive a car after reading. This makes me wonder if books could be used to teach readers how to make: electronics, cars, weapons, etc. I also experience a different view point, when i read the anime series" Gundam". I saw the view points of the victims and also the view points of the attackers, I also saw the point of why you can't end war with war.
ReplyDeleteThat would have to be a very descriptive reading of how to drive a manual car. I mean, there are manuals, instructions, and whatnot on how to drive, but unless it was in-depth and so personally detailed, I don't think it could seriously improve one's ability to drive a car. One's physical ability to do said action should also be considered. I completely understand how to drive stick, but that doesn't mean I'm any good at it.
DeleteI'm not saying I completely disagree with your statement. I think books are a fantastic HELP when learning about something, but it's always going to take a little practice and effort to get it down.
P.S. I've never heard of Gundam...is it any good? If so, I wouldn't mind looking into it :)
- Maddie W.
Gundam is like the anime version of Iron man, it good I like it since it takes you for a roller coaster ride.
DeleteOmar Cuevas
DeleteI forgotten all about looking it up! Now that I know what it's about, and as soon as finals are over, I'll definitely look into it. Hello! I like anime plus Ironman...it sounds like a win-win situation!
Delete- Maddie Walters
I can see the effect of this article in my life. I love to watch movies with fantastic sword fight when I was younger. When my friends watch the same movie we would talk about it and we would have swordfights together. Even though the article says it will not do it with TV shows, I have found that watching shows with sci-fi space adventures has peaked my interest in space.
ReplyDelete-Westen Hunt
Did you ever think about the connections you were making while you and your friends were playing? or was this the first time you realized?
ReplyDelete- Latrell Padmore
I can understand the observation that reading fiction could make the brain exercise certain areas. Amber B. said, "Wouldn't you think that reading other forms of literature would do the same?" There are just so many factors in this experiment. The word cinnamon activating the area over scent according to the study. What if the person never smelled cinnamon? Would that have different results? Could it be that the stereotype of book readers share common characteristics? There just need to be more proof for me to accept this.
ReplyDeleteI agree that reading will help you understand complex social situations better than TV, but personal experience will give you better understanding than a book.
ReplyDeleteEvan Capron
What if people that are handicapped read about not having a handicapped would there be any difference in their handicap?
ReplyDeleteI think they would have a better perspective of other peoples situation. And having a better perspective would allow them to connect with that person in a way that couldn't be done otherwise. Will it cure their handicapped? No. But I think the same could be said about someone who is not handicapped reading about someone that is. They would be able to understand their situation and connect with them better, without having the actual handicapped.
Delete-Tanner Adams
Reading fiction books can be so insperational. I wish i could just think about something and it would happen! What do you think?
ReplyDeleteI really grasped the part where Paul discusses that we almost become the characters we read in fiction or identify them with people we know. I always do that. Don't we all need an escape from reality to cope? Isn't reading fiction one of the most effective ways to accomplish that?
ReplyDeleteTrevor Williams
I thought this article was very interesting and I agree with it so much. I think fiction readers can empathetic because they can see the world through another person's eyes.
ReplyDeleteSydney Medsker
I do agree with many of the points in the article including the one about empathy. I am also a person with a wild imagination and can usually visualize the story in my mind.
ReplyDelete-Thomas S
A question to anyone with interest and doesn't visualize a story in great detail. How do you perceive the story and do you enjoy reading?