Articles tagged with Cognitive Psychology
A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that individuals with higher criminal tendencies prefer to gamble, even if they know it increases risk. The researchers used fMRI to show increased activation in brain areas involved in cognitive analysis and reasoning for those with higher criminal tendencies.
Climate change poses significant health risks to children, including dehydration, heat stress, respiratory disease, and vector-borne diseases. Researchers propose strategies for addressing these needs, such as establishing medical protocols and best practice guidelines for climate-related event planning.
Research reveals that specific local features in metro maps significantly impact usability, with some hazards affecting accuracy more than colour-coding schemes. Route-coloured and trunk-coloured maps showed varying performance depending on journey complexity.
Researchers at University of Würzburg found that transcranial magnetic stimulation can improve anxiety treatment outcomes, particularly for fear of heights. The study used virtual reality to induce fear and showed that stimulated brain regions lead to accelerated therapy responses.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have mapped over 1,100 years of metaphoric English language to identify patterns in how humans create and understand metaphorical meaning. This study paves the way for future advances in artificial intelligence and natural language processing systems like Siri.
Researchers found that even when facial expressions are objectively identical, familiar faces are judged more positively. The study suggests that prior experience with a face can influence how happy it appears, highlighting the dynamic nature of emotion perception processes.
Researchers found that viewers make comparisons between characters to judge their morality, with heroes appearing after villains making them seem more heroic. The study suggests that perceived villainy comes with certain advantages, such as increased altruism, in fictional narratives.
Researchers at SISSA discovered that weight gain after deep brain stimulation is associated with an increased desire for food and level of impulsiveness. The study also found a link between the duration of Parkinson's disease and reduced pharmacological treatment, highlighting potential preventative measures.
A new study suggests that musical scales may have evolved to accommodate the variability of the human voice, rather than the perfect tuning of instruments. This theory has implications for understanding the development of singing and speech production in tone languages.
Researchers explore how emojis and emoticons aid in cross-cultural communication and provide insights into user personalities. Studies suggest that emoji use can be related to personality traits, such as agreeableness, and may impact social inclusion.
Research reveals that 70% of respondents prefer a collaborative and supportive work environment, yet only 26% want a nurturing manager. Managers are often seen as missing the human touch in their approach to performance management.
Studies have found that people struggle to match unfamiliar faces with and without glasses, but the effect is more pronounced when only one face wears glasses. This research aims to inform future policies on photo identification for security purposes.
Researchers at the University of Zurich developed a revised Sense of Coherence Scale to improve mental resilience assessments. The new questionnaire yields more accurate and objective results, revealing that individuals with greater resilience suffer less from depression and bereavement pain.
Researchers found that arachnophobic individuals overestimated spider size compared to neutral animals, suggesting a potential treatment for phobias. The study used two experiments measuring attractiveness and self-relevance in animal size estimation.
Turn-taking in human communication appears to have origins in primate gestural interactions, predating the development of language. This double-tasking of comprehension and production may motivate compact clause structures in all languages.
Researchers identify cognitive barriers that hinder pro-vaccination views, including the need for trust in medicine and government. They argue that transparency and efficient science communication can increase public trust in vaccination.
A recent study by University of Vienna researchers found that ravens can cooperate to achieve common goals, such as sliding a platform with cheese into reach. However, they also exhibit a sophisticated way of keeping their partners honest, detecting and excluding cheaters from future cooperation.
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology suggests that the brain's prioritization of scenic categories may not be as complex as previously thought. Researchers found that people tend to make the easiest distinctions first, rather than following a predetermined hierarchy.
A study found that adults who text while being cognitively distracted exhibit a more cautious gait, including increased obstacle clearance and decreased ability to walk in a straight line. The researchers suggest this adaptation may help prevent accidents when faced with cognitive challenges.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that participants estimated the length of a round-trip walk as shorter than the outward trip, even when the times were equal. This phenomenon, known as the return trip effect, may be related to our perception of time and awareness of the destination.
A two-year study found that soldiers receiving cognitive-behavioral therapy were 60 percent less likely to make a suicide attempt than those receiving standard treatment. The therapy focused on managing stress and thinking in more helpful ways.
The Lancet Psychiatry article highlights the underuse of mental health resources among individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts. According to researchers, approximately 60% of people experiencing suicidal ideation or behavior do not receive treatment, underscoring the need for more effective psychological interventions and increas...
The study found that high levels of depressive symptoms may be associated with delayed antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation among HIV-infected Russian drinkers. Cognitive symptoms of depression were also linked to poorer ART adherence in this population.
Researchers at Princeton University suggest that the brain breaks down experiences into events using subconscious mental categories. These categories are formed based on temporal relationships between people, objects, and actions.
Researchers found that male Eurasian Jays can share food with their female partner according to her current desire, suggesting a 'state-attribution' ability. This behavior is crucial for species living in long-term relationships and may improve mate bonding.
A new study found that consumers systematically underestimate the selling price of others' items and overestimate their own willingness to pay. This bias can lead to reduced satisfaction in transactions and economic losses for both buyers and sellers.
A new study found that cognitive reappraisal can decrease negative intergroup emotions and increase support for conciliatory policies in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Reappraisal training reduced anger towards Palestinians, increased support for peaceful solutions, and decreased support for aggressive policies.
A large-scale trial found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) provided in addition to usual care reduced symptoms of depression and improved patients' quality of life. At six months, 46% of those who received CBT had improved, reporting at least a 50% reduction in symptoms.
A new study found that phone therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for people with mild to moderate depression and anxiety. The research from the University of Cambridge also showed that providing talking therapies over the phone can save the NHS money, with a cost per session 36.2% lower.
A study published in Journal of Consumer Research found that people vary widely on the level of detail required for understanding a product. Explanation fiends require more details to feel informed, while explanation foes feel confident with superficial explanations. Understanding what consumers want is crucial for marketers.
A study found that social psychologists exhibit a liberal bias, with conservatives self-selecting out of the field due to perceived hostility. Despite this, the authors highlight the importance of addressing ideological diversity to promote healthy intellectual inquiry.
A recent study found a clear tendency toward favoring items located in the middle of a row, regardless of direction. This 'center-stage effect' may influence choice in various settings, including shopping and surveys.
A new review article suggests that people's broader goals of being active or inactive play a significant role in shaping their time spent on various activities. This inclination to do more, even if the task is trivial, can lead to unhealthy behaviors despite specific goals.
Researchers at Purdue University are developing a new scientific field that uses soundscapes to understand ecological characteristics and reconnect people with natural sounds. By analyzing the rhythms of natural sounds, scientists can detect early changes in climate, weather patterns, and pollution.
Researchers from Kansas State University discovered that people's enjoyment of movies depends on both the content and their co-viewer. The study found that graphic sex scenes in particular cause discomfort for parents and teens, leading to awkward interactions.
Food cravings are intense, specific desires to eat certain foods, which can pose serious health risks. Research suggests that mental imagery is a key component of food cravings, taking up brain power and making it hard to focus on other tasks.
Recent systematic reviews indicate that psychological debriefing of adults does not prevent post-traumatic stress disorder and may even increase the risk. Two programs offering Psychological First Aid and cognitive behavioral support show promise of effectiveness in preventing PTSD and other psychiatric disorders.
Researchers at MIT and San Camillo Hospital have shown that motor impairments in stroke patients can be understood as impairments in specific combinations of muscle activity. The findings support the concept of synergies, which are thought to represent fundamental building blocks for complex movements.
Researchers found that nearly 50% of people shown fake footage were prepared to believe the video version rather than what they actually saw. Fake video evidence was used in an experiment to test whether it could induce individuals to accuse another person of doing something they never did.
Researchers found that human friendship is linked to cognitive mechanisms creating a ready-made support group, prioritizing helpful individuals in conflicts. The Alliance Hypothesis suggests friendships prioritize mutual care over reciprocal benefits.
A new study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that moderate alcohol consumption increases mind-wandering, while reducing the likelihood of noticing it. This impairment affects an individual's ability to realize their mind has wandered, known as meta-consciousness.
A new study by Michigan State psychologist Carlos David Navarrete found that men's fears are reserved for members of their own gender when it comes to out-groups. The findings suggest that this fear is linked to evolutionary history, with male faces being a potent cue for danger.
In a speed-dating study, researchers found that men and women were equally skilled at gauging romantic interest, but women's deceptive behavior made it harder for observers to judge their interest accurately. The study suggests that evolutionary theory predicts women to be more coy or deceptive in dating environments.
A study by Michelle L. Roehm and Michael K. Brady found that high-equity brands initially face a disadvantage after failure, but may fare better when the issue is severe. This phenomenon can be attributed to a reduction in cognitive resources, allowing customers to focus on resolving the problem rather than re-evaluating the brand.
Research reveals that subtle racism is more damaging than overt hostility, impairing cognitive capacity and mental effort. Black volunteers who witnessed unfair but ambiguous hiring decisions performed worse on the Stroop test, indicating they were using all their mental resources to make sense of the unfairness.
Researchers found that disrupting consumers with confusing sales pitches can increase sales by restating in a familiar way, boosting student interest groups and tuition increases. The 'disrupt-then-reframe' technique exploits the need for cognitive closure, making susceptible consumers more likely to freeze their judgments.
Researchers found evidence that the two sides of the retina interact to enhance shape recognition, coordinating their responses with unexpected temporal precision. This study challenges the traditional view that communication between brain hemispheres is necessary for shape recognition.
Research by Ellie Parker and Adrian Furnham found that viewers are less able to recall advertised products during programmes with high sexual content. Women were particularly put off by sexual content, while men recalled brands more effectively.
A new study by University of Virginia psychologists has found a significant correlation between the perceived size of a softball and the batting average of its players. The study, published in Psychological Science, suggests that when players are hitting well, they perceive the ball as larger, while poor performers see it as smaller.
Researchers suggest a multidisciplinary approach to managing low back pain, using a step-wise approach with various treatment modalities such as pharmacological treatment, rehabilitation programs, and minimally invasive techniques. This approach can help avoid more invasive surgical treatment options and reduce healthcare costs.
Research reveals low leptin levels in restrained eaters, particularly in underweight females, who have higher cognitive restraint scores. The study found a negative correlation between leptin levels and cognitive restraint scores in these individuals.
Research shows that training is essential for overcoming fears about using automatic teller machines (ATMs) among older adults. Studies have found that non-users are willing to try ATMs if shown proper usage, and hands-on training improves success rates. Banks can benefit by making ATMs more personal, interactive, and secure.
Researchers at the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center have developed a new brain mapping technology that can create realistic 3D images of brain activity in real-time. This breakthrough uses functional MRI data to produce high-resolution images, overcoming the previous bottleneck in processing time.