Introduction

Eighteen months ago I started a degree in English and psychology at Keele university in the UK. A lot has happened since then. One of those things was entering a Wellcome Trust science writing contest. The lecturer I entered with, Dr Richard Stephens, won and he encouraged me to submit my effort for publication elsewhere. I passed it around and got interest from The Psychologist no less.

I was a journalist before enrolling at university and I had an idea back then I would write about psychology in the future, making it accessible to people, clearing up misconceptions and sharing in some of the fascinating things I have learnt and am still learning every day. The communication of science, in general, is something I have always admired in those who do it well. I also think it is a valuable endeavour. After all, we're all human, and understanding why we do, think and feel the things we do has got to be worth it. For instance, why do we swear when we are in pain? How do parents really react when their children report a trouble to them? What causes us to walk into a room and forget why we are there? And do mamals really urinate for an average of twenty-one seconds? Answers to these questions and more will be offered in the coming weeks, months and, hopefully, years.

(If you have a question about psychology then feel free to ask it. If I don't know the answer I will find out for you.)

Richard