Beauty Is, Mostly, in the Eye of the Beholder
A new analysis finds a few widely shared aesthetic preferences, and a whole lot of individual and cultural variation.
Tom Jacobs
Tom Jacobs is a senior staff writer at Pacific Standard, where he specializes in social science, culture, and learning. He is a veteran journalist and former staff writer for the Los Angeles Daily News and the Santa Barbara News-Press. Through interviews, reviews, and essays, he has tracked and analyzed trends in the arts and sciences, with an emphasis on psychology, the role of culture, and the cultivation of creativity. A native of Chicago, Jacobs earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from Northwestern University.
The Militarization of Police Does Not Reduce Crime
New research finds it does reduce public support for law enforcement.
Hit Movies Have More Female Characters—and Stronger Ones Too
New research finds females still make up a minority of the onscreen population, but they are depicted more often in leadership roles.
Moral Outrage Can Backfire When It Goes Viral
As negative comments accumulate, they start to come across as bullying—even if they're justified.
Here's More Evidence Facebook Is Harming Democracy
A second study links use of the social media platform with lower political knowledge.
Black Cops Are Just as Likely as White Cops to Kill Black Suspects
New research suggests a culture of bias is a bigger problem than individual racist officers.
Music Reduces Pain—Even in Newborns
A two-day-old is apparently not too young to benefit from listening to the Moonlight Sonata.
'I Pledge to Vote' Gets People to the Polls
Recent research identifies a promising way to get first-time voters to cast a ballot.
Female Heart Attack Victims Are More Likely to Survive If Treated by a Woman Doctor
New research suggests male physicians are less successful at treating female patients.
Reality TV Perpetuates the Stereotype of the Angry African American
A new study finds African Americans on reality television are more likely to be both the victim and perpetrator of verbal aggression.
Regional Immigration, Local Segregation: The Toxic Mix That Triggers Whites' Fears
New research suggests neighborhood-level diversity can reduce perceived threat, but regional diversity has the opposite effect.
Science Fiction and Fantasy Readers Make Good Romantic Partners
New research suggests they have more mature ideas about how real-world relationships work.
Research Suggests Exposure to Multiculturalism Prompts People to Inflate the Importance of Race
A new study finds promoting the philosophy can solidify the belief there are deep-seated, unalterable differences between races.
Americans Stubbornly Continue to Overestimate Their Intelligence
Nearly two-thirds believe they're smarter than average.
A Psychological Explanation for the Dysfunctional Trump White House
Kissing up to the boss takes a toll on employees' self-control.
How Christian Nationalism Begets Political Conservatism
New research finds that fused identity apparently produces a predisposition toward authoritarianism and support for punitive punishments.
Patriotic Americans Are Pro-Immigration
New research finds nationalism is not strongly associated with anti-immigrant views.
White Mass Shooters Are Treated More Sympathetically by the Media
New research finds they are more likely than their black counterparts to be portrayed as victims of mental illness.
Ironically, Beetles Respond Poorly to Rock 'n' Roll
New research finds the insects devour fewer aphids when forced to listen to AC/DC or other hard rock music. Country music didn't have the same negative effect.
How to Inoculate Yourself Against Fake News
Make it a habit to approach stories in an analytical frame of mind.
Greater Tolerance and Secularization Drive Economic Growth
Forget the Protestant work ethic. What we're experiencing is the secularization success.
A Study Finds Democrats Are Least Likely to Use Ashley Madison
Members of the Libertarian Party were the most likely, according to analysis of hacked data from Ashley Madison.
How Middle-Aged Women May Save American Democracy
Harvard University political scientist Theda Skocpol argues the conservative takeover of the federal government has a silver lining for liberals: It is inspiring more activism.
For Men, a Fear of Being Judged as Inept Incites Sexual Harassment
In a new study, males were more likely to endorse sexually aggressive behavior if they worried they were viewed as incompetent.
The Least Analytical 2016 Voters: Democrats Who Supported Trump
New research finds liberals and libertarians are particularly prone to reflective thought.
Sexism and Religious Fundamentalism Drive Opposition to Abortion
Psychological research provides fresh perspectives on the underlying motivations of anti-choice advocates.
For Epileptics, Mozart May Be Medicinal
New research confirms listening to a much-studied Mozart sonata has an anti-epileptic effect on children.
Passionate Sports Fans Are More Likely to Endorse Right-Wing Policies
The outliers are basketball aficionados, who tend to lean leftward.
For Black Students, Stereotyping Starts Early
In a new study, prospective teachers were more likely to judge behavior as hostile if the child was African American.
David Faris Offers Democrats a Plan for Fighting Back
The author and political scientist offers a traditionally timid party some bold ideas.
As Americans Age, Their Support for Environmentalism Declines
It's not easy staying green.
Why It's Smart to Opt for a Female Surgeon
New research finds medical personnel work better together when the operating room has more women.
You Can Deny Free Will Exists and Not Be a Jerk
New research finds no relationship between ethical behavior and belief—or disbelief—in free will.
We Continue to Sense Danger Even When Threats Decrease
New research finds when a situation gets less dangerous, we fail to perceive the positive shift.
For Effective Advocacy, Shame the Policy, Not the Person
A historian who has studied the emotion finds it can be an effective change agent—but only when used carefully.
There's a Distinct Brain Function Behind Prejudice
New neural research could help us design better anti-prejudice interventions.
The Way We Identify Professionals Disadvantages Women
Males are much more likely to be granted last-name-only status, which implies eminence in their field.
The Shifting Demographics of Domestic Violence
New research shows that current boyfriends or girlfriends are more likely than spouses to engage in certain types of violent behavior.
Democracy Is in Decline in Much of the World
A new analysis finds the free press, among other key institutions, is under increasing attack.
A Cult Expert Finds Familiar Patterns of Behavior in Trump's GOP
What do you call an organization where total loyalty to a charismatic but volatile leader is strictly enforced?
Asylum Seekers Do Not Harm a Host Country's Economy
New economic research refutes a spurious argument made by anti-immigrant activists.
Conservatives Are More Likely to Feel Their Lives Have Meaning
Social conservatives in particular report experiencing a strong sense of purpose.
How Hillary Clinton's Loss Hurt Women in the Workplace
In the wake of her defeat, women were viewed as less likely to get promoted, according to new research.
Workplace Suitors' Unwanted Advances Can Have Harmful Consequences
Being the unwanted object of affection can cause great personal discomfort, and even impact careers.
Trump, Kim, and the War of Images
This week provided vivid examples of how visual imagery can make a president look statesmanlike, foolish, or both.
Conservatives and Liberals Have Differing Mental Images of God
Americans' divergent conceptions of the supreme being's face reflect our egocentrism, and reveal our emotional needs.
Biracial People Play a Uniquely Positive Role Helping Americans Grapple With Race
New research finds whites are more open to discussing race-related issues after exposure to a mixed-race individual.
News on Scary Subjects Gets More Negative as It Spreads
New research finds reintroducing objective facts into the conversation doesn't mitigate this effect.
Tribalism and the $20 Bill
New research finds debates over what historical figures should be on our currency break down along partisan and racial lines.