Understanding Understanding

“Shakespeare uses a linguistic technique known as functional shift that involves, for example using a noun to serve as a verb. Researchers found that this technique allows the brain to understand what a word means before it understands the function of the word within a sentence. “

When marketing innovative products, this article explains, comparing the product to something familiar helps consumers understand its value and potential. (Think “horseless carriage.”)

“People in an upbeat mood are more exploratory and daring in attitude — and therefore more apt to break from cultural stereotype. “

This study suggests that readers do mental simulation when they comprehend a story.

“A new technique that separates truth from lies finds it takes about 30 percent longer to fib.”