It’s Good to Be Kaiser
New research finds Germans with noble-sounding names are more likely to be managers.
Violent Video Games May Exacerbate Ethnic Bias
An Austrian researcher finds a link between playing violent video games and increased ethnocentrism, at least among young men.
Facts and Myths About Infidelity
Hot fun in the summertime: A new analysis suggests cheating spikes in the warmer months.
Extremists Least Likely to Doubt Their Views
New research finds those who hold the most extreme views on hot-button issues are also the most convinced of the superiority of those beliefs.
Narcissism Breeds Belief in One’s Own Creativity
British researchers report narcissists are more likely than most to engage in creative activities.
MLB Playoffs Predictions: Dodgers Look Good
Mathematician Bruce Bukiet crunches the numbers, and likes the L.A. Dodgers.
Literary Fiction Helps Us Read People
New research suggests reading literature increases our ability to pick up on the subjective states of others.
The Value of Apologizing Extends to the Blameless
New research suggests “superfluous apologies,” such as expressing sorrow for bad weather, builds trust.
What’s the Appeal of Angry, Polarized Media?
A new sociological study suggests watching or listening to shows that confirm our political prejudices help us feel like part of a community.
Tony Kushner, Optimist, Takes the Long View
The Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and Lincoln screenwriter is very aware of the problems we face as a society, but he has faith in the political process.