Trust Games

Personality

What We Decide About People Based on Their Appearance

Tony Evans Ph.D. on January 31, 2022

When do people think it's OK to judge a book by its cover? New research suggests that facial appearances matter the most when we judge social personality traits.

When do people think it's OK to judge a book by its cover? New research suggests that facial appearances matter the most when we judge social personality traits.

Parenting

Having Children Changes How You Think About Human Nature

Tony Evans Ph.D. on January 13, 2022

New research suggests that becoming a parent shapes whether you are willing to trust strangers.

New research suggests that becoming a parent shapes whether you are willing to trust strangers.

Career

Most Experiments Don’t Work, and That’s OK

Tony Evans Ph.D. on December 12, 2021

A new study finds that most experimental attempts to change people's behavior don't succeed. Behavioral scientists need to be realistic about what does (and doesn't work).

A new study finds that most experimental attempts to change people's behavior don't succeed. Behavioral scientists need to be realistic about what does (and doesn't work).

Trust

There Really Is Honor Among Thieves

Tony Evans Ph.D. on November 23, 2021

In the past week, people have launched coordinated attacks on high-end stores. These thefts reveal how cooperation and trust can lead to large-scale corruption.

In the past week, people have launched coordinated attacks on high-end stores. These thefts reveal how cooperation and trust can lead to large-scale corruption.

Happiness

How Bad Endings Ruin Great Experiences

Tony Evans Ph.D. on November 16, 2021

How do you judge if an experience is good or bad? Research suggests that we remember experiences based on their endings and their most intense moments.

How do you judge if an experience is good or bad? Research suggests that we remember experiences based on their endings and their most intense moments.

Career

Why Do Algorithms Make Mistakes?

Tony Evans Ph.D. on November 9, 2021

Can an algorithm predict how much your home is worth or who you'll fall in love with? It depends on the psychology of the people who built it.

Can an algorithm predict how much your home is worth or who you'll fall in love with? It depends on the psychology of the people who built it.

Pessimism

The Myth of the Cynical Genius

Tony Evans Ph.D. on November 3, 2021

Most people believe that cynicism is a sign of competence and intelligence. Are they right?

Most people believe that cynicism is a sign of competence and intelligence. Are they right?

Mindfulness

When Workplace Mindfulness Training Is Worse Than Nothing

Tony Evans Ph.D. on November 1, 2021

Many organizations implement mindfulness training to reduce burnout and improve well-being. They may find that it triggers anger and cynicism instead. This is why.

Many organizations implement mindfulness training to reduce burnout and improve well-being. They may find that it triggers anger and cynicism instead. This is why.

Career

You Should (Probably) Just Quit Your Job Already

Tony Evans Ph.D. on October 27, 2021

Workers around the world are debating whether to change their careers. Research suggests you shouldn't settle too quickly for the status quo.

Workers around the world are debating whether to change their careers. Research suggests you shouldn't settle too quickly for the status quo.

Media

The Unpredictable Popularity of "Squid Game"

Tony Evans Ph.D. on October 25, 2021

"Squid Game" is the most popular show in the world, and psychologists want to explain why. But research suggests that popularity is often based on unpredictable social processes.

"Squid Game" is the most popular show in the world, and psychologists want to explain why. But research suggests that popularity is often based on unpredictable social processes.

Media

When Do Online Discussions Become Heated?

Tony Evans Ph.D. on October 19, 2021

Recent research suggests that online discussions become more emotional when authors use confident (vs. doubtful) language.

Recent research suggests that online discussions become more emotional when authors use confident (vs. doubtful) language.

Career

Should Leaders Make Quick Decisions?

Tony Evans Ph.D. on October 10, 2021

People judge leaders based on whether they make decisions quickly versus slowly. Speed makes good decisions seem even better, and unpopular decisions even worse.

People judge leaders based on whether they make decisions quickly versus slowly. Speed makes good decisions seem even better, and unpopular decisions even worse.

Personality

The High Cost of Enjoying Being Alone

Tony Evans Ph.D. on October 4, 2021

New research suggests that people who enjoy solitary activities are more likely to be socially excluded.

New research suggests that people who enjoy solitary activities are more likely to be socially excluded.

Career

Personality Predicts Adjustment to Remote Work

Tony Evans Ph.D. on September 28, 2021

Are workers better off at home or in the office? New research suggests that personality traits may predict adjustment to remote work.

Are workers better off at home or in the office? New research suggests that personality traits may predict adjustment to remote work.