WWU researcher: Songs stuck in your head not always music to your ears

Think of a song.

Now let me make a few predictions about the song in your head.

It's probably one that you enjoy, or at least don't mind. You likely heard just a part of it, perhaps the chorus. And the song didn't linger, but it has a good chance of popping into your head again sometime soon.

Those are typical features of songs that stick in people's heads, features that run counter to the widespread myth that such songs are both obnoxious and unending.

"It definitely happens, but it's relatively rare," said Ira Hyman, a psychology professor at Western Washington University.