Scientists conducting research on psychological benefits of birdsong

Scientists conducting research on psychological benefits of birdsong

A team of scientists is conducting a three-year research project at the University of Surrey, supported by the National Trust and Surrey Wildlife Trust that will explore the impact of
birdsong on creativity and sense of wellbeing.

The new study will examine the psychological impact of birdsong, which includes whether it helps us relax, can assist our ability to complete tasks and even think creatively.

The researcher conducting the research, Eleanor Ratcliffe, said that while there was a growing body of environmental psychology looking at how the natural world affects people, there was
still a lot to understand about the power of specific natural sounds.

The stages in the research might include some serious birdwatchers to sit out and study the natural sounds. On the same hand, Ratcliffe will interview the general public to understand
how people perceive natural sounds and whether birdsong does, as bird lovers aver, have a restorative effect.

Ratcliffe aims to explore the effect of different songs and how individuals relate birdsong to their own memories and sense of place. Such as, the raucous screech of a feral parakeet or
the aggressive chitter of a magpie may not have quite the soothing effect as a melodious song thrush.

Ratcliffe is also planning to recruit subjects through social media and examine the effect of birdsong on their brains and behaviour.

Speaking to media, he said, “A great deal of anecdotal evidence suggests that we respond positively to birdsong. However, currently there is a lack of scientific research on the psychological
effects of listening to birds.”

The research project is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council with further assistance from the National Trust and Surrey Wildlife Trust.

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Posted by Zeeshan Gohar on Dec 31 2011. Filed under Sci-Tech. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry