What we learned in 2012

Maria Falikman, cognitive psychologist: “Each of us (I am no exception!) More than once had to painfully search for a key, phone, or some other trifle in a hurry. And it seems that the more you hurry, the longer you look for! So it is: Canadian psychologists have shown that even if the desired object is already in our hand, in 10-20% of cases we put it aside and continue to search. The reason is that the visual system and the motion control system in our brain work separately: both are trying to solve the same problem, but at different speeds (the visual system is much slower). Practical takeaway: When you need to find something urgently, tell yourself not to rush! Thanks to my colleagues: by sorting things more slowly, now I find my keys and wallet in my backpack several times faster – I don’t push myself and I don’t get nervous.” Cognition, 2012, vol. 123.