DrCris Reads

The science of fiction

August 14, 2008 6:03 pm DrCris Why reading?, links

Novel Ideas picked out an interesting article inNew Scientist magazine (28th June). The issue reports on the mental benefits of reading fiction. Keith Oatley, a professor emeritus of cognitive psychology, has conducted research which shows that people who read more fiction may find it easier to discern the thoughts and feelings expressed by people’s eyes. He likens fiction to a simulation that runs on the software of our minds, and may help us when negotiating the complexities of social life.”

(Via Novel ideas : Manly Library.)

Oatley’s has also published investigation into emotions of literary response and some interesting work on deduction and inference in literature.

Related posts:

1. Amazing fiction and non fiction from Zen Habits
2. Ebooks for fiction readers, a summary