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Psychology

This category contains 184 posts

Jazz and classical musicians are different

I went to two concerts by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra this weekend. They both featured the symphony playing jazz music with professional jazz musicians. It was interesting to hear the symphony playing jazz style. No offence to any of the symphony musicians, who are all phenomenal, but it seemed like some of them struggled more … Continue reading

Normalizing obesity

It’s hard not to notice the number of individuals who are overweight these days. So with all the New Year Resolutions you have to wonder if there is an increasing dedication (however temporary) to losing weight. According to a study by Snook et al (2017) probably not. As increasing body weight becomes more and more … Continue reading

Hypertension and stopping research studies early

These two topics aren’t related except that while reading an opinion article published on The JAMA Network about the challenges and opportunities of implementing the most recent guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension I learned that some clinical studies are stopped early because the study is showing positive results. Hypertension first. The American … Continue reading

The smells and sounds of Christmas

It always seems too early in the year when stores start playing Christmas music. I get it, they want to put you in the mood to buy and having a pleasant store environment is part of that encouragement. But, what I have never thought of is stores using the smells of Christmas to encourage spending, … Continue reading

Stairs or caffeine?

As I am not a caffeine aficionado I have been known to go walk up and down stairs at work when I’m having a particularly sleepy day, it turns out that stair walking may actually be more effective, at least more effective than low doses of caffeine at improving alertness. In a small study of … Continue reading

Would a park in your neighbourhood make you bike more or less?

In my Master’s research, I examined the impact of urban greenspaces on decisions to move into the suburbs. It had a significant effect being one of the top three reasons why individuals chose to live on the outskirts of Edmonton. I, on the other hand, prefer to live closer to the centre of Edmonton, but … Continue reading

Pigeons are better at multitasking

I feel like these days people claim their ability to multitask as a badge of honour. Eventually, it will degrade to a playground quality fight: “Yeah, well I have ten different windows open on my computer and I’m simultaneously leading a meeting while attending a webinar that is vital to my field.” When I am … Continue reading

Exercise and healing

I just had my (hopefully) last surgery on the wrist I broke two years ago.  I have diligently done any physical tasks I was instructed on, whether that was not moving it or cleaning the pin that was sticking out. I have also paid close attention to my mental state and have worked to get … Continue reading

My cell phone reduces my brain power

I’m waiting to get a surgery date for my wrist (for anyone counting that will technically be the fifth); as a result, I have my cell phone with me all the time. It sits out on my desk at work, even in meetings, and everyone understands that I will answer my phone if the doctor … Continue reading

To weed or not to weed

A few years ago I moved into a neighbourhood of lush lawns. My direct neighbour is a retiree and spends excessive time managing his many different flower beds and his lawn. It looks awesome, so long as you like the manicured look. As I walk down the street on my way to the bus each … Continue reading

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