A Little Knowledge...

Assertiveness

How to Get the Most Out of a Doctor Visit

Richard Contrada Ph.D. on March 20, 2023

Don't be a "good patient" or a "bad patient." Be a smart patient.

Self-Talk

Why Even Negative Self-Talk Can Help with Self-Regulation

Richard Contrada Ph.D. on January 3, 2023

Negative self-talk may not always mean what you think it does. Here's how to begin to use it to your advantage.

Stress

How to Benefit From Research on Type A Behavior

Richard Contrada Ph.D. on December 31, 2022

The Type A and Type B concept isn't about two kinds of people. Not all Type A traits predict health outcomes.

Academic Problems and Skills

Why Some Famous Psychology Experiments Could Be Wrong

Richard Contrada Ph.D. on December 30, 2022

What do teacher-learner interactions, prisons, and witnessing murder have in common?

Academic Problems and Skills

How to Avoid Preemptive Constructs

Richard Contrada Ph.D. on December 28, 2022

A scientist, politician, and advertiser walk into a bar.

Education

A Primer for Evaluating Scientific Studies

Richard Contrada Ph.D. on September 30, 2022

Don't base your appraisal of new research findings on catchy titles, endorsements of "celebrity experts," or promises of practical applications. Here's a do-it-yourself guide.

Attention

Tweetable Wisdom From Distinguished Psychologists

Richard Contrada Ph.D. on September 29, 2022

These five weird but effective tips have broad relevance for us all.

Career

'Surprising' Ways to Win Arguments and Influence People

Richard Contrada Ph.D. on August 22, 2022

Do you feel you can improve your debating skills? Here are five tactics to try out.

Personality

What You Should Know About the Labeling of Psychological Concepts

Richard Contrada Ph.D. on June 27, 2022

Would you buy something just because its name is familiar, catchy, or sounds desirable? You might. But you shouldn't if that something is a psychological concept.

Vagus Nerve

Your Brain Relies on Your Heart for More Than Blood

Richard Contrada Ph.D. on June 13, 2022

The heart does much more than deliver oxygen and essential nutrients to the body. It helps the brain generate many essential psychological functions.

Stress

What Is Your Stress Level? It's Not (Only) What You Think

Richard Contrada Ph.D. on May 25, 2022

Have you been under a lot of stress lately? There is a very important sense in which you do not know the answer to that question. This has some useful implications.