Articles tagged with Experimental Psychology
A new UC Berkeley study analyzed over 60,000 animal observations and found no conclusive evidence of inequity aversion in non-human species. However, the researchers suggest that some animals may exhibit disappointment or social protest when their expectations are not met.
A USC study reveals that forming social ties relies on learning from positive outcomes, such as rewards, and tracking relational value. The findings help explain why we are drawn to certain people and how we navigate relationships, with implications for mental health and social behavior.
A study published in Open Mind journal found that most people struggle to distinguish between strong and weak knots by visual inspection. Despite their experience with everyday knots, participants failed to identify the strongest knot in various experiments, even when shown videos or diagrams of the knots' construction.
Researchers found that bypassing misinformation, by providing accurate information with positive implications, can be superior to correction in situations where people form beliefs rather than attitudes. This approach has potential for informing strategies to combat misinformation and change behavior. The study suggests a more nuanced ...
A new study from the University of Waterloo found that people's preference for simple explanations mirrors their desire for efficient actions. The study discovered that individuals are more attracted to explanations involving common and reliable causes.
A study published in Psychological Science found that 2-year-olds rely on grammatical information to understand the meaning of new words. The researchers used focus signals in sentences to manipulate children's responses, showing that young kids can absorb grammatical cues and leverage them to learn new words.
Researchers created digital reconstructions of Aztec death whistles and found they produce unique air turbulence, creating a chilling sound. Listeners perceived the whistle's sound as natural and organic, similar to human voices or screams, suggesting a symbolic association with mythological entities.
Using texting abbreviations is associated with being perceived as less sincere and receiving fewer responses, according to a new study published by the American Psychological Association. Texters who used abbreviations were seen as exerting less effort in text conversations and eliciting negative perceptions.
A new study by University of British Columbia researchers found that young people's mental health benefits from thoughtful social media management and intentional online interactions. The study showed that users who managed their online interactions more intentionally experienced reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that teenagers become more sensitive to threats after a few hours alone, regardless of digital connection. This increased threat response can lead to anxiety and unease, even in the presence of online interactions.
Prof. Tamar Saguy, a full professor at Reichman University's School of Psychology, has been recognized for her groundbreaking research on reconciliation processes between groups. Her work highlights the importance of addressing power imbalances in dialogue initiatives and proposes effective strategies to promote social change.
A new study from UT Arlington found that setting reminders can significantly reduce age-related declines in memory, particularly in prospective memory. The study suggests that reminders help counteract cognitive strain by making memory retrieval less reliant on internal processes.
A new study by psychologist Christina Bauer found that presenting reverse narratives emphasizing students' strengths improves self-confidence and academic performance. Socio-economically disadvantaged students showed a significant increase in self-confidence after reflecting on their strengths.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that unpaid caregiving contributes billions of dollars' worth of labor annually, yet is often overlooked in societal value. The study suggests that people with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to provide care within their social networks but perceive themselve...
A recent Reichman University study explores how attention one partner receives from others affects sexual desire, commitment to the relationship, and the inclination to ward off competitors. The findings show that when participants observed others showing interest in their partner, they experienced decreased desire for their partner.
A new study highlights the need for educational psychologists to engage with TikTok to address self-diagnosis of mental health and neurodiversity conditions. The platform's vast amount of inaccurate content can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate self-assessment, emphasizing the importance of raising accurate content.
A recent study suggests that asking people to reflect on their relationships with family during therapy can shift their emotions and memories towards a parent, even when the question isn't suggestive. The lead author emphasizes the importance of being aware of this phenomenon to ensure accurate childhood memories.
A new study suggests that exposing young children to more misinformation online, with proper education and oversight, can help them develop essential critical thinking skills. Children who encounter more false information early on are more likely to fact-check and debunk potential misinformation, according to researchers.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that rats' social structures are more complex than previously thought, with varying patterns of dominance and coexistence. The researchers' findings suggest that psychiatric medications may need to be re-evaluated due to the complexity of rat social dynamics.
Researchers identify 'illusion of information adequacy' bias, where people assume their knowledge is sufficient for decision-making. This bias can lead to poor recommendations and misunderstandings in personal and professional life.
A new study published in Current Biology found that our brains organize experiences into individual events based on what we currently care about and are paying attention to. The researchers used audio narratives to test this hypothesis, finding that people's brain activity creates new chapters depending on their perspective.
Research reveals people's perception of a food's appeal and calorie content is biased towards their previous rating, creating a chain reaction. This 'serial dependence' can inform strategies for food marketers and have potential applications in addressing eating disorders.
A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals the importance of foot movement in early infant development and interaction. By using machine and deep learning techniques, researchers found that AI can accurately classify five-second clips of 3D infant movements, with foot movements showing the highest accuracy rates.
A UT Arlington study suggests that speaking up is key to ethical decision-making in research groups. The researchers found that fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to voice concerns can help prevent unethical behavior. An 'ethical champion' who steps up to speak out against potential issues was a common finding.
Research suggests that people prioritize collaborating with higher-paid colleagues, assuming they possess greater knowledge and skills. In contrast, lower-paid subordinates are preferred for hiring due to the belief that salary differences reflect organizational rank.
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General found that people are strongly biased by first impressions, but 'sleeping on it' can lead to more rational choices. Participants who didn't make a decision immediately were less likely to fall into these traps and made more rational decisions.
A new study published in Communications Psychology found that older adults (60+ years) are more susceptible to social influence when making impulsive financial decisions. In contrast, younger adults tend to stick to their original preference even after seeing others opt for the impulsive option.
A 6-month study found that psilocybin offered similar improvements to SSRI escitalopram in depressive symptoms, but with greater social functioning and psychological connectedness. Psilocybin may offer an alternative for those not responding to SSRIs, but its benefits are still being studied.
New research suggests that toddlers can track and prefer people with more resources, tracking this preference until around 13 months of age. This bias towards wealth is thought to be driven by negative assessments of those with less, rather than positive evaluations of the wealthy.
Researchers found that participants with hyperactivity/impulsivity tendency perform body-scan meditation better in supine and upright postures, which can alleviate anxiety and depression. The study developed scales to assess the ease of mindfulness meditation, aiding psychiatrists and therapists in choosing suitable interventions.
A recent study demonstrates how real-time haptic feedback can enhance interoceptive awareness, improving mental and physical health. Participants showed improved accuracy in heart rate discrimination tasks after receiving haptic feedback, suggesting a deeper connection between the mind and body.
A competition encourages magicians to craft mesmerizing sound-based tricks that evoke wonder and amazement without relying on visual cues. The initiative aims to make magic more inclusive for individuals with visual impairments, allowing them to experience the art in a new way.
A study by HSE University scientists found that changes in heart rate can serve as an early biomarker for anxiety and depressive disorders. The research used PPG technology to analyze heart function during cognitive tasks, revealing more pronounced changes in individuals with higher levels of anxiety or depression.
A new study by Reichman University researchers found that individuals experiencing financial hardship tend to act more ethically, contrary to common beliefs. Despite economic temptation, those in need uphold their moral standards and actually cheat less than more affluent participants.
Researchers found that a refutational approach can help overcome misinformation, leading to fewer misconceptions and improved emotional responses. The study tested students' knowledge of fluoridation and found that those who read an article with a refutation had more positive emotions toward the subject.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that digital switching, such as swiping through videos, actually increases boredom and reduces satisfaction with content. Participants reported feeling less engaged when watching a single video versus rapidly switching through multiple short videos.
Researchers at UCLA found that venting frustrations to a friend can make them more likable and create stronger bonds, but only when listeners don't perceive aggressive intent. This 'competition' for friends' affections can lead to improved health, happiness, and social support.
A recent study by Washington State University found that entrepreneurs who connected their pitch anxiety to their passion for their venture performed better in funding pitches and were more likely to receive recommendations. This emotional reframing strategy was shown to be effective in leveraging anxiety as a positive energy source, r...
A new psychological intervention has been introduced to enhance the sense of belonging and academic performance of minority students. The intervention involves displaying lecturers' names in multiple languages, resulting in improved grades for Palestinian students.
A recent study by Prof. Meital Balmas Cohen found that highlighting Zelensky's warmth, morality, and communal traits boosts global empathy and pro-social behaviors towards Ukrainians. The research aimed to explore how national leaders can leverage their personality traits to influence public opinion.
The ZEN-MRI project, funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research, aims to achieve a congenial co-existence between human beings and robots in public areas. Researchers will investigate how to design robots that are perceived as unthreatening and sympathetic.
Researchers from UniSA and Deakin University found a link between rooms with high ceilings and poorer examination results. The study analyzed data from 15,400 undergraduate students, comparing their exam scores to ceiling heights, and found lower scores when sitting exams in larger rooms.
Researchers at Universiteit van Amsterdam found that observing prejudiced individuals interact with group members can lead to the formation of similar prejudices. Observers often go on to act with prejudice without realizing they've been influenced, misperceiving worse behavior from group members who interacted with a prejudiced actor.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that people are aware when their brain is filling in gaps with generic information, enabling them to factor in this knowledge when assessing memory accuracy. The study suggests individuals can recognize prototypical memories and distinguish them from accurate ones.
Researchers at UC Davis discover that uncertainty drives anxiety by changing how we perceive hazard rates. The study found that when the timing of a potential threat is unknown, our brains respond with increased anxiety.
A new study reveals that physiological synchrony significantly enhances perceived romantic attraction. Super Synchronizers, who naturally synchronize well in social and nonsocial contexts, are perceived as more romantically appealing. This study integrates experimental and observational methods to investigate the mechanisms of romantic...
Researchers from SWPS University have re-examined the causes of obedience in the iconic Milgram experiment. The team found that physical proximity to the experimenter enhances subjects' willingness to obey, while proximity to the learner reduces it. This new understanding sheds light on the complex dynamics underlying human behavior.
Studies found that even minor choices, such as picking a color, can increase the enjoyment of touch. The results suggest that providing patients with perceived control over their treatment may yield greater benefits in clinical settings. This study provides new insights into how choice shapes our experiences on a fundamental level.
A new study found that spending money on experiences, such as concerts, restaurants, or travel, increases feelings of social connection and similarity with others. In contrast, buying material goods has a lesser effect on these connections. The research suggests that this could lead to improved health and happiness.
A research team at Kyoto University found that interactive AI programs can reduce prejudice and anxiety among historically divided ethnic groups in Afghanistan during online interactions. Participants in the AI intervention group showed more engagement and significantly less prejudice and anxiety compared to the control group.
Researchers surveyed 260 chronic cannabis users, finding they are motivated to exert effort while high and not lazy. Chronic use also affects self-regulation, leading to increased impulsivity and decreased thoughtfulness.
Researchers have developed a network model that replicates the experimental findings of how short-term history effects lead to central tendency bias in working memory. The model shows that neural circuits can give rise to both recency and central tendency biases at the same time through a single mechanism.
Researchers found that participants who followed healthy eating Instagram accounts ate an extra 1.4 portions of fruit and vegetables per day, compared to those in the control group. The study suggests that exposure to positive social norms on social media can encourage higher consumption of fruit and vegetables.
A recent study published in Attention, Perception & Psychophysics found a correlation between pupil dilation and working memory. Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington discovered that individuals with better working memory had larger pupil dilations during tasks, indicating improved focus and attention.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that individuals who use willpower to achieve goals are perceived as more trustworthy. Those who rely on external strategies, such as commitment strategies, are viewed as less capable of self-control and therefore less trustworthy.
A new study published in PNAS found that AI-generated messages made recipients feel more 'heard' than messages generated by untrained humans, and that AI was better at detecting emotions. However, recipients reported feeling less heard when they learned a message came from AI.
A new study published in Nature Communications found that people tend to prefer shorter-term options when presented with the delay first, but choose longer-term options when presented with the reward first. By focusing on the benefits of waiting, individuals can improve their self-control and make better long-term choices.
A researcher at West Virginia University is using 'reverse engineering' to study the structural characteristics of slot machines and their impact on players. The study aims to understand what makes these games immersive and how they interact with individual vulnerabilities, ultimately informing the development of safer gambling products.
The study found that heart rate decreases and parasympathetic activity increases when interacting with friends, but not strangers. This suggests that social relationships influence physiological responses during social interactions.
Researchers at Lehigh University found that reading a personal history of an opposing party member can significantly reduce animosity towards members of the opposing party. The study tested interventions with both Democrats and Republicans, finding that historicist narratives can lead to increased compassion and reduced moral emotions.