As students, we often become accidental archivists: Whether it be old class notes or miscellaneous campus merch, our lives are often full of these collections. Sometimes, the collections that initially appear to be trash become treasured. Students also move a lot, resulting in an annual cycle of packing and unboxing,[Read More…]
Tag: Psychology
The mental gymnastics of mid-semester motivation
McGill students are tired. Slouching into the tenth week of online classes in tandem with the flurry of midterm essays and assignments, many students are struggling to maintain their academic motivation amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and it shows. Motivation is the process that initiates and maintains goal-oriented behaviours. There are[Read More…]
Exploring the linguistic mosaics of Montreal bilingual speakers
Montreal is a one-of-a-kind city for several reasons: It has a vibrant nightlife, an incredibly rich history, and an amalgamation of diverse cultures. Yet, nothing in Montreal is as iconic as the role of language in shaping the city’s unique culture. As most Montrealers speak both French and English, casual[Read More…]
Facing the back-to-school blues
Stress levels of university students have peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether these students return to campus or continue their studies remotely, that stress is unlikely to dissipate. In a recent survey, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 62.9 per cent of individuals aged 18-24 disclosed[Read More…]
Sex bias in pain research leads to failed studies, inequity in pain management
It is a well established fact that men and women experience chronic pain differently. By the late 1990’s, the findings of various review studies on pain research were clear: Women are more likely than men to experience a variety of recurrent types of pain. It remains troubling, however, that most[Read More…]
Understanding the psycho-social effects of social distancing
At the start of each school year, McGill’s campuses bustle with life. Separated friends reunite, while eager newcomers explore the grounds in awe. However, with McGill’s announcement that the Fall 2020 semester will proceed remotely, the usual energy of campus life is anticipated to be changed drastically. Remote semesters are[Read More…]
29th edition of Soup and Science
McGill professors presented their scientific research to crowds of students in the Redpath Museum at the 29th iteration of Soup and Science from Jan. 13–17. After snacking on complementary soup and sandwiches, writers from The McGill Tribune compiled highlights from the week. Nutrient cycling and ecosystem science Fiona Soper, assistant professor in[Read More…]
Reason and the art of neuroscience
One of the major attractions of academia is the ability to make a career out of learning, where one can pursue a life reminiscent of ancient Greek philosophers or Renaissance polymaths. Of course, following one’s research passions depends on funding. Grant applications and email correspondence shape the everyday life of[Read More…]
Rat Park and the War on Drugs
This year, VICE Studios released Rat Park, a documentary that dives into the socio-psychological causes of drug addiction. By looking at drug epidemics in three countries—Portugal, the United States, and the Philippines—the documentary focussed on how class, wealth, social status, life struggles, and politics play into the ongoing war on[Read More…]
44th SQEBC covers cognitive ecology and animal behaviour
The 44th Société Québécoise pour l’Étude Biologique du Comportement (SQEBC) took place in the McIntyre Medical Building from Nov. 1–3, drawing speakers and attendees from around the world. This year, the theme of the conference was cognitive ecology, the study of cognitive phenomena in social and natural contexts. Organizers Simon[Read More…]
