What do the names of colours, kinship terms and legal jargon tell us about the human mind? Dr Frank Mollica explores language as a cognitive tool – shaped by culture, adapted for purpose, and far from universal.

We dive into how children learn language, how it evolves and why legal language is so confusing. Along the way, we challenge common assumptions about how we think, communicate and learn.

What do the names of colours, kinship terms and legal jargon tell us about the human mind? <a href="https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/857414-frank-mollica">Dr Frank Mollica</a> explores language as a cognitive tool &ndash; shaped by culture, adapted for purpose, and far from universal.
We dive into how children learn language, how it evolves and why legal language is so confusing. Along the way, we challenge common assumptions about how we think, communicate and learn.

This is PsychTalks: a podcast that deep dives into groundbreaking research in psychology. Hear psychology and neuroscience experts unpack how our minds work – and discover how these insights can enrich your own life and help others. Made by the University of Melbourne’s School of Psychological Sciences.

 

This is PsychTalks: a podcast that deep dives into groundbreaking research in psychology. Hear psychology and neuroscience experts unpack how our minds work &ndash; and discover how these insights can enrich your own life and help others. Made by the University of Melbourne&rsquo;s School of Psychological Sciences.
&nbsp;

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How does language shape the way we think?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/8450f03c-225d-47a0-ac01-ae84000e0c16/clips/801105d4-86ff-4393-88f9-b345004d0aff/transcript

If you’ve ever looked directly at a motorcyclist while driving – yet completely failed to see them – you’re not alone. The phenomenon is so common, riders refer to it as a “smidsy” (or, “sorry mate, I didn’t see you”.)

Professor Kristen Pammer and Dr Angus McKerral discuss the cognitive demands of driving; explaining how inattentional blindness can render a motorcyclist invisible and exploring the promises and pitfalls of self-driving cars.

If you&rsquo;ve ever looked directly at a motorcyclist while driving &ndash; yet completely failed to see them &ndash; you&rsquo;re not alone. The phenomenon is so common, riders refer to it as a &ldquo;smidsy&rdquo; (or, &ldquo;sorry mate, I didn&rsquo;t see you&rdquo;.)
<a href="https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/1111883-kristen-pammer">Professor Kristen Pammer</a> and <a href="https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/1125064-angus-mckerral">Dr Angus McKerral</a> discuss the cognitive demands of driving; explaining how inattentional blindness can render a motorcyclist invisible and exploring the promises and pitfalls of self-driving cars.

Why do so many drivers say "sorry mate, I didn't see you"?

‘Cycle syncing’ has exploded online, promoting the idea that women can optimise their wellbeing by planning everything from workouts to work commitments around their menstrual cycles. But what does the science actually say?

Dr Lindsie Arthur cuts through the pop psychology hype and discusses the current research around hormones, behaviour and performance.

&lsquo;Cycle syncing&rsquo; has exploded online, promoting the idea that women can optimise their wellbeing by planning everything from workouts to work commitments around their menstrual cycles. But what does the science actually say?
<a href="https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/868270-lindsie-arthur">Dr Lindsie Arthur</a> cuts through the pop psychology hype and discusses the current research around hormones, behaviour and performance.

Is cycle syncing science or social media hype?

Alcohol is a normal part of life for many Australians. But why do some people develop problems with drinking while others don't? 

Dr Antoinette Poulton unpacks the link between impulsivity and hazardous drinking, and explains why our decisions around alcohol are shaped by much more than willpower. 

From personalised feedback to smartphone-based interventions, we explore how researchers are finding new ways to help people better understand their drinking and make lasting changes. 

Relevant links:

Learn more about Antoinette's research:
She is currently recruiting for a study charting cannabis use form and method in Australia, to assist with future app development: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/gnf2 
For other current projects: https://hesterlab.org/projects 

If you have concerns about your own or someone else's drinking, you call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 or visit Daybreak at hellosundaymorning.org.

Alcohol is a normal part of life for many Australians. But why do some people develop problems with drinking while others don't?&nbsp;
<a href="https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/660717-antoinette-poulton">Dr Antoinette Poulton</a> unpacks the link between impulsivity and hazardous drinking, and explains why our decisions around alcohol are shaped by much more than willpower.&nbsp;
From personalised feedback to smartphone-based interventions, we explore how researchers are finding new ways to help people better understand their drinking and make lasting changes.&nbsp;
Relevant links:
Learn more about Antoinette's research:
<ul>
<li>She is currently recruiting for a study charting cannabis use form and method in Australia, to assist with future app development: <a href="https://go.unimelb.edu.au/gnf2">https://go.unimelb.edu.au/gnf2</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li>For other current projects: <a href="https://hesterlab.org/projects">https://hesterlab.org/projects</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
If you have concerns about your own or someone else's drinking, you call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on&nbsp;1800 250 015 or visit Daybreak at <a href="hellosundaymorning.org">hellosundaymorning.org</a>.

Is alcohol dependence about more than willpower?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/8450f03c-225d-47a0-ac01-ae84000e0c16/clips/941ea3af-b1f6-44fb-a2da-b495005c5c2e/transcript

How does language shape the way we think?

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