Answer Quickly to Be Believed – Pausing Before Replying Decreases Perceived Sincerity
When people pause before replying to a question, even for just a few seconds, their answers are perceived to be less sincere and credible than…
Psychology
MIT Twitter Experiment Shows Clear Self-Selection Into Social Media “Echo Chambers” Due to Political Preferences
It is no secret that U.S. politics is polarized. An experiment conducted by MIT researchers now shows just how deeply political partisanship directly influences people’s…
Happy Childhood? That’s No Guarantee for Good Mental Health Later in Life
It’s well understood that a difficult childhood can increase the likelihood of mental illness, but according to new research from the University of South Australia,…
The Mystery of Playing With Fear: Psychology Researchers Investigate Haunted Houses
Haunted houses, horror movies, and ghost stories can be chilling delights, provided the fear they evoke remains in a “Goldilocks zone” that is neither too…
Writing by Hand Makes Kids Smarter – Here’s Why
Writing by hand creates much more activity in the sensorimotor parts of the brain, researchers found. New brain research shows that writing by hand helps…
When Racism and Sexism Benefit Black and Female Politicians
When It Comes to Supporting Candidates, Ideology Trumps Race and Gender Prejudiced people will still vote for Black and female politicians, as long as ideologies…
Experiencing Childhood Trauma or Abuse Makes Body and Brain Age Faster
Findings could help explain why children who suffer trauma often face poor health later in life. Children who suffer trauma from abuse or violence early…
Your Eyes Can Reveal if You’ve Suffered a Traumatic Experience in the Past
Study shows how traumatic experiences can leave their mark on a person’s eyes. New research by Welsh academics shows that a patient’s pupils can reveal…
What Kind of People Stockpiled Toilet Paper for COVID-19? Researchers Link Personality Traits
People who feel more threatened by COVID-19 and rank highly on scales of emotionality and conscientiousness were most likely to stockpile toilet paper in March…
Study Finds Elite Gamers Share Mental Toughness With Olympic Athletes
High performing esports professionals may require the same mental stamina it takes to be a top Olympian, according to QUT research. A new study, published…
A One-Time Punk Rock Guitarist Is Playing a New Tune at MIT
Meet Professor David Rand, a one-time punk rock guitarist who now digs into psychology, cooperation, and politics. What’s it like being a professor at the…
Drunkorexia Is Damaging and Dangerous, Yet Very Common With Female College Students
Around 1 in 3 female university students report saving calories for binge drinking episodes. Mojito, appletini, or a simple glass of fizz – they may…
Healthier and Happier Without Facebook – Reduce Usage to Feel Better All Around
People who reduce the time they spend on Facebook smoke less, are more active and feel better all around. Two weeks of 20 minutes less…
A Psychological Theory Helps Robots Walk Like Humans [Video]
A psychological theory could kickstart improvements in the way robots are able to walk, thanks to a University of Manchester study. The study — a…
Psychologists Uncover Secret to Achieving Goals – Simple Trick With Reward and Effort
Research led by scientists at Queen Mary University of London has provided new insights into why people often make unrealistic plans that are doomed to…
Fat & Cholesterol Levels at Birth Linked to Psychological Problems at Age 5
Cord blood measures could predict children’s social, emotional development. Babies born with high levels of bad cholesterol and a certain type of fat may face…
Sexting Isn’t Just About Sex – Surprising New Research Shows 3 Main Motivations
A new analysis from the Texas Tech University Department of Psychological Sciences shows three different, equally prevalent purposes behind sexually based messages. Let’s talk about…
People Lie When Sex Is on the Brain – This Study Reveals How Much
In a world of seemingly endless opportunities for finding a mate, competition for a partner can be fierce. Not all that glitters is gold, as…