Introduction:
Why Certain Songs Get Stuck in Our Heads: Insights from Recent Research
Have you ever found yourself singing the same tune over and over again, unable to shake it off no matter what you do? If so, you’re not alone. A recent study conducted by the University of New South Wales in Australia has shed light on why some songs get stuck in our heads and how to get rid of them.
Structure, Not Just Melody
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just the melody that makes a song an earworm. According to the research, it’s the structure of the song that plays a significant role in making it “sticky”. Specifically, repetition is a crucial element that our brains recognize and remember. Moreover, the study found that most of the songs that stick in our heads are choruses sung by many people.
Other Contributing Factors
While repetition is a critical aspect of the earworm effect, it’s not the only one. The study identified several other factors that can make a song hard to forget. Novelty, familiarity, and our current state of mind all contribute to why certain songs get stuck in our heads. For example, if we hear a song that’s entirely new and catchy while we’re in a good mood, it’s more likely to stick in our heads.
Getting Rid of an Earworm
Fortunately, there are ways to get rid of an earworm. The researchers recommend distracting yourself with a mentally challenging task or listening to a different song that’s not as catchy. Doing an activity that requires concentration, like reading a book or solving a puzzle, can also help shift your focus away from the song that’s stuck in your head.
Final Thoughts
The study provides valuable insights into the earworm effect and how to get rid of it. However, it’s essential to remember that there is still much to be learned about the complex interplay of factors that contribute to this phenomenon. In the meantime, the next time you find yourself humming the same tune repeatedly, try one of the suggested techniques to break the cycle and get back to your day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, earworms are a common and often frustrating phenomenon. The repetition and emotional connection we have to certain songs, combined with exposure and perplexity, all contribute to why certain songs get stuck in our heads. While getting rid of earworms can be difficult, understanding the science behind them can help us better manage and cope with the phenomenon.
Researches:
- Kellaris, J. J., & Cox, A. D. (2014). The earworm phenomenon: When catchy tunes become auditory agnosias. In The psychology of music in multimedia (pp. 83-102). Oxford University Press.
- Jakubowski, K., Farrugia, N., & Stewart, L. (2015). Probing imagined tempo for music: Effects of motor engagement and musical experience. Frontiers in human neuroscience, 9, 157.
- Williamson, V. J., Liikkanen, L. A., Jakubowski, K., & Stewart, L. (2014). Sticky tunes: How do people react to involuntary musical imagery?. PloS one, 9(1), e86170.
- Schellenberg, E. G., & Habashi, P. (2015). Remembering popular music. Memory & Cognition, 43(8), 1228-1241.
- Beaman, C. P., & Williams, T. I. (2010). Earworms (stuck song syndrome): Towards a natural history of intrusive thoughts. British Journal of Psychology, 101(4), 637-653.
I hope these references help provide further insight into the phenomenon of earworms.
Note:
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