Behavioral Psychology

Behavioral Psychology

Are fools happy and geniuses disorganized — or is that a mistaken stereotype?
A successful man in a suit captured in a black and white photo.
Psychopathic tendencies may be present to some extent in all of us. New research is reframing this often sensationalized and maligned set of traits and finding some positive twists.
a photo of a [dog breed] on a pink background.
A dog's breed isn't as predictive of behavior as many think it is. Environment and upbringing play a much larger role.
a black pug looking at a pie on a table.
Neuroscientists think a cluster of cells in the brain that stimulate appetite could be a target for eating disorder therapies.
a woman with a towel wrapped around her head.
The key to its success lies not in its understanding of technology, but in its understanding of human nature.
a group of penguins standing on top of a rock.
If you think everyone around you is terrible, the joke may be on you.
a painting of a cucumber with a face on it.
Raw food, paleo, gluten-free, detox, and ketogenic: All of these diet fads withered when subjected to scientific scrutiny.
a man opening his mouth to see a slice of pizza.
Our bodies crave more food if we haven’t had enough protein, and this can lead to a vicious cycle.
a man in a space suit with a camera in his hand.
It's not about fairness. It's about using every possible advantage.
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What do Remus Lupin, Katniss Evergreen, William Wordsworth, and Usain Bolt all have in common?
a wooden dummy with a wooden stick sticking out of it's mouth.
You can’t spot a liar just by looking — but psychologists are zeroing in on methods that might actually work.
Two men engaging in a brain-teasing game at a table.
And how to make it think differently.
learner engagement
There are several different types of learner engagement, from emotional to cognitive. Here's how to improve each.
a group of men standing on top of a wooden structure.
Most people care what others think of them. In many situations, that can be leveraged for the common good.
a collage of images of cell phones and cell phones.
Early, non-aggressive tumors should be called "nodules."
a notebook with a colorful dotted line on it.
If you’re trying to break a bad habit or start a good one, psychologists have some tips.
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Being a jerk gets you rich, promoted, and laid (if you're a man). But there is a downside.
Extreme home environments — either very supportive or harshly negligent — tend to produce more sensitive kids.
apple watch
The Apple Watch could soon take the pain out of monitoring blood sugar levels.
“It's a liquid, but it’s not just a liquid."
Sensitive content warning
Researchers watched for signs of withdrawal — but didn't find any.
These 5 research-backed tips can turn bad habits into financial gain.
Million Stories
Find it easier to sort out your friends' problems than your own? This paradox is for you.
When we're stressed, our hormones and nervous system produce all sorts of odors.