Psychology
People Differ Widely in Their Understanding of Even a Simple Concept Such as the Word ‘Penguin’
We think about what a penguin is like in dozens of different ways—one reason why we often talk past each other
Psychology99 articles archived since 1845
Psychology
Did Time Tick Slower for a Woman Who Spent 500 Days Alone in a Cave?
Here’s why a woman who spent 500 days in extreme isolation lost her sense of time
Psychology
Extreme Views Are More Attractive Than Moderate Ones
New research shows that people are drawn to others with more extreme versions of their own political views
Behavior
What Makes People Act on Climate Change, according to Behavioral Science
To get people to shift to more climate-friendly behavior, what works best? Education? Payments? Peer pressure?
Psychology
Personality Can Change from One Hour to the Next
Studies show that people may experience enormous variability in personality traits throughout the course of the day
Psychology
Open Offices Aren’t Working, so How Do We Design an Office That Does?
Insights from Deaf and autistic communities could finally make office spaces better for everyone.
Psychology
Kindness Can Have Unexpectedly Positive Consequences
People who engage in random acts of kindness may not fully recognize the impact of their behavior on others
Psychology
Fixing the Hated Open-Design Office
Open-office designs create productivity and health problems. New insights from Deaf and autistic communities could fix them
Psychology
There’s a Psychological ‘Vaccine’ against Misinformation
A social psychologist found that showing people how manipulative techniques work can create resilience against misinformation
Psychology
This Is Why We’re Afraid of Clowns
Scientists figure out the origin of our fear of clowns
Psychology
Many Differences between Liberals and Conservatives May Boil Down to One Belief
Conservatives tend to believe that strict divisions are an inherent part of life. Liberals do not
Psychology
Love and the Brain: Do Partnerships Really Make Us Happy? Here’s What the Science Says
How romance affects our well-being is a lot more complicated than “they lived happily ever after.”
Psychology
Love and the Brain: How Attached Are We to Attachment Styles?
Are you “anxious,” “avoidant” or “disorganized?” So-called attachment styles have taken the Internet by storm. But it turns out there’s a lot more to unpack than people think. ...
Psychology
The Best Way to Boost Workers’ Mental Health Is to Give Them Good Managers
To improve workers’ health, research shows, companies need to support “transformational” leaders and weed out “destructive” actors, not just tout wellness programs...
Psychology
Love and the Brain, Part 1: The 36 Questions, Revisited
Host Shayla Love dives into the true story behind the now infamous 36 questions that lead to love.
Psychology
This Change Could Reduce Police Brutality against Black Drivers like Tyre Nichols
Cops—no matter their own race—are more confrontational toward Black drivers. Social psychologist Nicholas Camp describes ways to reduce police antagonism
Psychology
The Psychological Benefits of Commuting
Commuting creates a liminal space that allows people to transition between home and work, which remote work doesn’t provide
Psychology
Your Response to Stress Improves as You Grow Older
In good news, our reactions to stressful events improve as we age. But living in uncertain times will still take a toll
Psychology
The Best New Year’s Resolution Might Be to Just Let Go of an Unfulfilled Life Goal
Leaving aside a cherished objective may benefit psychological and even physical health
Psychology
‘Persuasion Fatigue’ Is a Unique Form of Social Frustration
When people argue, a kind of frustration called persuasion fatigue can cloud their judgment and harm relationships
