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.
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.
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.
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.
The Mental Roots of Racial Prejudice
Italian researchers find social conservatives tend to attribute more negative qualities to members of a minority group.
Flowers Make Women More Receptive to Romance
A French researcher finds flowers really do put women in a romantic mood.
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.
Cleanliness Cues Activate Conservative Attitudes
New research finds subtle reminders of cleanliness seem to shift people to the political right.
Song Lyrics Reflect Our Narcissistic Age
New research finds a shift in emphasis in pop song lyrics over the decades, from “we” to “me.”
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.