It seemed like this would be a great week to write about the psychology of the end of the world, but that was before the horrific elementary school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut last Friday. And then it dawned on me. Perhaps the two stories have more in common than first meets the eye, at least when it comes to the insights they offer regarding human nature.
On Newtown and the End of the World
December 20, 2012
It seemed like this would be a great week to write about the psychology of the end of the world, but that was before the horrific elementary school shooting in [...]
What a Pretty Face Can’t Tell You
November 21, 2012
Just what, exactly, can we learn from a pretty face? Because despite warnings to the contrary, when we meet others we spend an awful lot of time judging books by [...]
Just what, exactly, can we learn from a pretty face? Because despite warnings to the contrary, when we meet others we spend an awful lot of time judging books by their covers. Encounter someone attractive, and it’s hard for us to look away. But it’s even more difficult to refrain from drawing bigger-picture conclusions about what type of person we think we’re dealing with.
To Regift or Not to Regift, That Is the Question
October 19, 2012
It was more than 15 years ago that an episode of Seinfeld popularized the phrase “regifting,” used to describe the taboo of turning an unwanted present into a gift for [...]
It was more than 15 years ago that an episode of Seinfeld popularized the phrase “regifting,” used to describe the taboo of turning an unwanted present into a gift for someone else. Now, almost two decades later, there’s also published psychological research on the perceptions and emotions underlying the controversial act of the regift…
Sex, Drugs, and Raising Kids
September 21, 2012
Anything in moderation, the saying goes. But does this wisdom apply to the decisions we make as parents? read more
Anything in moderation, the saying goes. But does this wisdom apply to the decisions we make as parents?
Just How Independent Are Independent Voters?
August 14, 2012
The American electorate is more divided today than ever, cable news pundit wisdom informs us. So who, then, are these Independents who loom ever more important as a target demographic? [...]
The American electorate is more divided today than ever, cable news pundit wisdom informs us. So who, then, are these Independents who loom ever more important as a target demographic? How have they managed to remain above the fray and maintain objectivity? And just how independent are they, anyway?
What’s in a Name?
July 13, 2012
Names matter. Whether we admit it or not, whenever we hear one, we draw a wide range of assumptions about the characteristics of the individual person (or item) in question… [...]
Names matter. Whether we admit it or not, whenever we hear one, we draw a wide range of assumptions about the characteristics of the individual person (or item) in question…
The LeBron Narrative and the Psychology of Sports Fans
June 22, 2012
As sports fans, as in so many other walks of life, we gravitate toward the simple narrative in thinking about other people. I can’t help but think of this as [...]
As sports fans, as in so many other walks of life, we gravitate toward the simple narrative in thinking about other people. I can’t help but think of this as I watch LeBron James put the finishing touches on his first NBA title this evening…
When Good People Behave Badly
June 6, 2012
Our default way of thinking about unethical behavior is to blame it on a handful of bad apples. But the real story behind fraud and other problematic behaviors is far [...]
Our default way of thinking about unethical behavior is to blame it on a handful of bad apples. But the real story behind fraud and other problematic behaviors is far more complex, not to mention rooted in many fairly “normal” psychological processes…
The Native American Mascot: Tribute or Stereotype?
May 25, 2012
In yet another chapter of a continuing debate, the State of Oregon announced last week that its public schools must discontinue the use of Native American nicknames and mascots. For [...]
In yet another chapter of a continuing debate, the State of Oregon announced last week that its public schools must discontinue the use of Native American nicknames and mascots. For many people the debate comes down to one question: tribute or stereotype? Well, psychological research has something to say on the matter…
Sex Objects in a World Turned Upside-Down
April 27, 2012
Just how often do people objectify women? According to recent research, we’re so used to treating women as sex objects that we can do it even when standing on our [...]
Just how often do people objectify women? According to recent research, we’re so used to treating women as sex objects that we can do it even when standing on our heads.
Is the Man Who Killed Trayvon Martin a Racist? Who Cares?
March 25, 2012
The story of the tragic death of Florida teen Trayvon Martin continues to unfold. A great deal of attention is being devoted to debating whether George Zimmerman–the neighborhood watch captain [...]
The story of the tragic death of Florida teen Trayvon Martin continues to unfold. A great deal of attention is being devoted to debating whether George Zimmerman–the neighborhood watch captain who shot and killed the African-American 17-year-old–is a racist. But does the answer to this question really matter?
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