The last song syndrome, which is also known as earworms are usually rampant during the holiday season. A study in regards to LSS was eventually published wherein the rationale behind the catchy tune was explained.
A study published in the journal "Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts," the reason behind the holiday jingle that lingers onto one's memory was finally explained. Elizabeth Margulis, director of the music cognition lab at the University of Arkansas stated that there is a good reason as to why LSS takes place, as reported by NPR.
"This was really the first study into this area of melodic features of earworms Kelly Jakubowski, a music psychologist at Durham University and lead author of the study. "We focused on the pitch and rhythmic elements of a melody."
As the study progressed, it was mentioned that the earworms don't have a specific note that can easily get stuck in one's memory. It was then added that a surprising twist was discovered as earworms have a common pattern in terms of its melody. Jakubowski explains that song which usually triggers LSS acquires a general "melodic shape, which is a pattern of ups and downs."
Elisabeth Margulis also noted that the brain eventually predicts the melody, which makes it linger in your memory even more. It was also explained that the catchy tune is not the only culprit for LSS as beautiful music can easily get stuck in one's head as well.
"Once [your brain starts predicting], you can really start to mess with them and do something new and surprising," Margulis says. "Your expectations are violated. There's a norm that is being crossed. People also link those surprising moments to what gives rise to emotion in music or what passages seem expressive."
What are the songs that usually give you LSS? Share it with us through the comment section below.
