Social Justice Passing the Plate and the Peter-Paul Problem Data from one Catholic parish suggest donations to the general operating funds dip on Sundays when a second collection is held. Tom Jacobs
Social Justice Belief in Conspiracies Linked to Machiavellian Mindset New research suggests people are more likely to endorse conspiracy theories if they would be willing to personally participate in such a conspiracy. Tom Jacobs
Social Justice Teddy Bears Soften Pain of Social Exclusion New research from Singapore suggests touching a stuffed animal can counteract the tendency of ostracized people to engage in antisocial behavior. Tom Jacobs
Social Justice What Is Torture? We Know It (Only) When We Feel It What constitutes torture? New research finds the answer varies with the level of pain one is currently feeling. Tom Jacobs
Social Justice The Mental Roots of Racial Prejudice Italian researchers find social conservatives tend to attribute more negative qualities to members of a minority group. Tom Jacobs
Social Justice Flowers Make Women More Receptive to Romance A French researcher finds flowers really do put women in a romantic mood. Tom Jacobs
Economics Better Candidate Websites Provide Democrats Advantage An analysis of presidential candidates’ websites during the 2008 primaries finds Democrats used the Internet in a more sophisticated way. Tom Jacobs
Social Justice Cleanliness Cues Activate Conservative Attitudes New research finds subtle reminders of cleanliness seem to shift people to the political right. Tom Jacobs
Social Justice Song Lyrics Reflect Our Narcissistic Age New research finds a shift in emphasis in pop song lyrics over the decades, from “we” to “me.” Tom Jacobs
Social Justice Death Anxiety Shapes Views on Evolution New research suggests people reject evolutionary theory because, as a way to think about life and death, it doesn’t provide the emotional solace we seek. Tom Jacobs