Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Does a 'triple package' of traits predict success?

A new study by Union College psychology professors Joshua Hart and Christopher Chabris found that a 'triple package' of traits, including intelligence, conscientiousness, and economic advantage, are more likely to predict success than previously thought, contradicting Amy Chua's theory.

SourceUnion College·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateApr 20, 2016

Study: Brain metabolism predicts fluid intelligence in young adults

A new study published in Cerebral Cortex found that brain metabolism is a significant predictor of fluid intelligence in young adults. The research used magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure concentrations of the molecule N-acetyl aspartate in different regions of the brain, revealing a link between NAA levels and fluid intelligence.

Study: Mental abilities are shaped by individual differences in the brain

A new study suggests that individual differences in brain structure and function affect both anatomical and cognitive factors, such as intelligence and memory. The researchers identified four unique traits that explained most of the differences in brain anatomy, with the remaining differences accounting for individual differences in in...

Long distance love affair

A new study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin suggests that psychological distance plays a key role in determining attraction, particularly in matters of relative performance. Men preferred women who were smarter than them in hypothetical or distant situations, but became less attracted to them when they were phys...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateOct 30, 2015

Babies can think before they can speak

Researchers found that infants as young as 7 months old can understand the abstract relation of sameness and difference between two things. This ability is present from birth and does not require language skills. Infants exhibit similar patterns of learning as older children and adults, highlighting a fundamental human skill.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalChild Development·DateMay 26, 2015

Reliance on smartphones linked to lazy thinking

Research suggests that smartphone users who rely on gut feelings tend to use their device's search engine rather than their own brainpower. Highly analytical thinkers spend less time using smartphones, indicating a possible link between heavy smartphone use and lowered intelligence.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMar 5, 2015

Nature or nurture? It's all about the message

A new study from Michigan State University found that messages about intelligence can immediately impact brain activity, making people more willing to work hard. The research suggests that the human brain is receptive to the message that intelligence comes from environment, regardless of its accuracy.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBiological Psychology·DateSep 3, 2014

Children's drawings indicate later intelligence

A study by King's College London found that children's drawings at age 4 are moderately associated with their intelligence at ages 4 and 14. The researchers also measured the heritability of figure drawing, finding a strong genetic link between drawing ability and cognitive development.

SourceKing's College London·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 18, 2014

Crows complete basic 'Aesop's fable' task

New Caledonian crows demonstrate an understanding of water displacement similar to that of 5-7 year-old children, completing 4 out of 6 water displacement tasks. They were able to displace water to receive a reward and showed preferences for certain objects over others.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 26, 2014

Games may help train analysts to overcome bias

Researchers at Penn State used scenario-based games to detect confirmation bias in intelligence analysts. The study found that teams trained in considering alternative hypotheses outperformed others in identifying perpetrators and targets. The game was designed to mimic real-life situations faced by U.S. intelligence analysts in Iraq.

Psychological testing may predict success in soccer

A new study from Karolinska Institutet suggests that measuring executive functions can predict a player's success in soccer. The researchers found a correlation between high scores in cognitive tests and better performance on the pitch, supporting the idea that game intelligence is not just innate but can be developed.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 5, 2012

Curiosity doesn't kill the student

A new study published in Perspectives in Psychological Science reveals that curiosity plays a significant role in academic success, with personality traits like curiosity being as important as intelligence. Conscientiousness is also found to be a key factor, suggesting that teaching methods can inspire curiosity and motivation.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateOct 27, 2011

University of Oklahoma team awarded $10.7 million contract to develop educational video game for training intelligence analysts

A University of Oklahoma team has been awarded a $10.7 million contract to develop an educational video game that trains intelligence analysts to recognize and mitigate cognitive biases. The game, called MACBETH, aims to improve the accuracy of credibility assessments and reduce cognitive biases in future intelligence analysts.

Solving the bandwidth bottleneck

A team of University of Texas at Austin engineers is working on novel algorithms to enhance the efficiency of mobile video streaming, reducing the demand on wireless networks. The goal is to deliver high-quality videos with fewer bits, while improving network capacity and reducing interference from base stations.

A glove on your hand can change your mind

Researchers found that using a ski glove to hinder motor fluency can reverse right-handers' judgments of good and bad, making them associate left with the 'right side' of space. This study suggests that people's conceptions of good and bad depend on their bodily experiences.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 10, 2011